Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from all forms of cricket

In a major blow to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday.

In a major blow to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday.

"It's over. I've bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket," Perthnow.com.au quoted Johnson, as saying.

The 36-year-old was picked up KKR in this year’s auction as one of their key weapons along with fellow Australian Mitchell Starc. Johnson, in Starc’s absence, did lead the KKR bowling attack in six matches but failed to make an impact, picking up only 2 wickets.

"I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down," he added.

Johnson had bid adieu to international cricket in November 2015 after a glittering career spanning 10 years.

Reflecting on his future course of action, the paceman indicated that he might take up coaching despite having no official experience.

"My competitive urge hasn't left me and hopefully that's something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future. I'm a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength," he said.

"I don't know if I'll be any good at it. I've got a lot of experience in cricket and no experience in coaching officially, though I did help out at Wanneroo last summer and I've always enjoyed working with young players," Johnson added.

The left-arm bowler has appeared in a total of 153 one-day matches taking 239 wickets with an economy rate of 4.84 while in Tests, he has scalped 313 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 3.33 in 73 games.

Johnson, who was named as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricketer of the Year in 2009, is widely remembered for his brutal bowling performance against England in Ashes 2013-2014.