Searing Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson on Tuesday announced his retirement from all international cricket at the end of the ongoing Test against New Zealand, joining a host of fellow veterans who recently called it quits.
"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye," the 34-year-old said in a statement ahead of the fifth day's play at Perth's WACA Ground.
"It's been an incredible ride. But the ride has to come to an end at some point and to do so here at the WACA is very special."
He follows Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson into retirement, who all quit after the recent Ashes series against England.
Speculation had been rife about Johnson's future ahead of the second Test against the Kiwis, with the bowler admitting last week that he thought about retirement "most days".
On his adopted home ground which has been the scene of some of his most lethal spells during a 73-Test career, he returned dismal figures of 1-157 in the first innings against New Zealand.
His sole wicket moved the left-armer past Brett lee and into fourth place on the all-time Test wickets list for Australia, with 311. He sits behind Dennis lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708).
"I've given the decision a lot of thought," said Johnson, who emotionally told his teammates of his decision at the conclusion of play on the fourth day.
"Beyond this match, I'm just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at level required to wear baggy green."
Aus-NZ Test ends in a draw
Retiring Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson claimed two final wickets as the second Test against New Zealand ended in a draw at the WACA Ground here on Tuesday.
The home side declared at 385 for seven after lunch, leaving the Kiwis needing an unlikely 321 to win from 48 overs to level the series, at almost seven runs per over.
A shower delayed play for about an hour and the Kiwis should little appetite for the chase when they resumed in a match dominated by the bat on a lifeless pitch.
Having won the first Test by 208 run at the Gabba, the result means Australia have retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
Johnson, who announced his retirement from international cricket before the day's play, provided something to cheer about for the sparse final day crowd of just over 3,000 when he claimed the wickets of both Kiwi openers.
Mitchell Johnson was honoured by the New Zealanders when he came out to bat, shaking hands with New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum on his way to the crease.