Mitchell Johnson retires: Twitter reacts to fiery pacer’s emotional goodbye

Several cricketers, such as AB De Villiers and Shane Watson, wished Johnson on the occasion.

Mitchell Johnson announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday ahead of the final day’s play of the second Australia vs New Zealand Test at the WACA in Perth on Tuesday. The Australian pacer’s decision was met with a wide variety of reactions from both the cricketing fraternity, as well as from fans all over the world. Johnson, who had hinted at the possibility of his retirement a few days ago without revealing much details on the same, retires with a tally of 311 wickets so far in the Test, moving past Brett Lee with a solitary wicket in New Zealand’s first innings. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs New Zealand 2015, 2nd Test at Perth, Day 5

“I feel now is the best time to say goodbye. 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,” Johnson was quoted as saying according to AFP. The left-arm pacer is currently fourth in the list of highest Test wicket-takers for Australia, behind Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563) and Dennis Lillee (355). READ: Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from international cricket

After making his domestic debut in 2001 for Queensland, Johnson got his shot at Test cricket six years later in 2007, shifting base to Western Australia later. Among his greatest spells of cricket is his haul of 8 for 61 at the WACA, where he is currently playing his last Test, against South Africa in 2008. He also finished as the leading wicket-taker and the destroyer-in-chief of England during the 2013-14 Ashes played Down Under, in which Australia regained the urn with an emphatic 5-0 series sweep.

Several current as well as former cricketers tweeted on this occasion, some of which are listed below:

 

Congratulations to Mitchell Johnson who will retire from all forms of international cricket following today’s play. pic.twitter.com/xoabSO3105

— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) November 17, 2015

 

That brings to the crease @MitchJohnson398. His last Test in a truly remarkable career #AUSvNZ ^CE — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 17, 2015

Mitchell Johnson announces retirement. A lot of batsmen around the world will breathe easy — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 17, 2015

 

Well done @MitchJohnson398 on a fantastic career.Great competitor and a incredible athlete.You can be very proud of what you achieved #gas

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 17, 2015

 

 

Congrats @MitchJohnson398 on a brilliant career. Our paltan will remember you as of one the rawest, aggressive fast bowler. #ThanksMitch

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 17, 2015

 

Will miss Mitchell Johnson. They don’t make many like him anymore. The fast, scary kind. — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 17, 2015

A massive congratulations to @mitchjohnson398 on a wonderful career. It was incredible to play in… https://t.co/52URYlSzzH — Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) November 17, 2015

 

Brings tears to my eyes to think that I won’t play again with my great mate @MitchJohnson398. Great team man, great friend & cricket legend

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 17, 2015

 

 

Massive congrats to great mate @MitchJohnson398 on a fantastic career. Will be a few batsmen in the world breathing easier! Congrats mate!

— Ryan Harris (@r_harris413) November 17, 2015

 

Big congrats to @MitchJohnson398 most hostile Fast bowling Cartel quick of generation #BatsmanBreathASighOfRelief https://t.co/eg8Kn0wa3F

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) November 17, 2015

Incredible athlete! Congrats on a magnificent career @MitchJohnson398

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 17, 2015

 

All the best @MitchJohnson398 on retirement buddy , thx for the memories , clashes and broken bones! It was always a pleasure #respect #fast

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) November 18, 2015

Congrats on an amazing career and a collection of batsmen’s broken fingers @MitchJohnson398. All the best for a wonderful future

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) November 18, 2015

 

 

“I am sure there are many batsmen around the world breathing a sigh of relief right now, knowing that they no longer have to face him,” said Cricket Australia chairman David Peever. “He leaves the game as one of our all-time great bowlers,”concluded Peever.

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