Australia bowler Mitchell Johnson proud after international retirement
Monday 23 November 2015 07:30, UK
Mitchell Johnson admits his final day of international cricket was an emotional one as the Australian fast bowler bowed out in trademark style.
The 34-year-old - who announced his retirement before the start of day five against New Zealand - dismissed both Kiwi openers before bad light saw the Perth Test end prematurely, with the tourists 104-2, chasing Australia's unlikely target of 361.
Johnson - who bows out of Test cricket with 313 wickets from 73 matches at an average of 28.40 - was carried off the field on his team-mates' shoulders and said it was a proud moment for him.
"There is a fair bit of emotion when the boys picked me up. It has been great. I have really enjoyed myself. I can walk off and be proud of my career," he told Sky Sports.
"Today was really special for me. New Zealand made me feel special by doing the guard of honour, which I didn't really expect.
"I didn't want to make it about myself. I have friends and family here, and the fans that turned up, I really appreciate it."
Johnson was happy his ageing body held out to claim two final two dismissals, as the draw saw Australia keep their 1-0 lead heading into the final match of the three-Test series in Adelaide.
"They were the sort of wickets I've been getting for the last couple of years - I really wanted to rip a couple in and the body let me do it," he added.
Watch the third Test between Australia and New Zealand on November 27. Coverage begins at 3.30am on Sky Sports 2.
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