Johnson will finish as one of Australia’s most revered pacemen, his 37 wickets in the 2013-14 Ashes burned into the memory of most cricket fans.

Johnson was renowned for his express pace, ferocious bounce, ability to inflict pain and capacity to intimidate.

So something was clearly amiss in Perth, where the left-armer lolloped to the crease and looked somewhat indifferent as New Zealand walloped him all over the park.

Cricket Australia released a statement on the morning of day five, confirming Johnson’s 73rd Test would be his last.

“I feel now is the best time to say goodbye,” Johnson said.

“I have been lucky enough to have had a wonderful career and enjoyed every moment of playing for my country. 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.”

The Queenslander moved west to live with wife Jessica Bratich, but the venue has always held special memories.

In his first six Tests at the WACA, Johnson channelled mentor Dennis Lillee to grab 42 wickets at an average of 20.19.

The 34-year-old finished with figures of 1-157 from 28 overs on Monday, failing to contain Ross Taylor and NZ’s freewheeling tailenders.

It was the most runs ever conceded by an Australian in a Test innings at the WACA.

Johnson’s bowling figures haven’t always been a true reflection of his influence on a contest, but on this occasion it was.

“I’ve given the decision a lot of thought. Beyond this match, I’m just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at the level required to wear the Baggy Green,” he said.

“My career has certainly had its up and downs but I can honestly say I have given it my all and am proud of everything I have achieved.

“To win an Ashes series and a cricket World Cup is something I will treasure forever.

“My family have been by my side throughout and I could not have achieved all I have without their support.”

Johnson also thanked his teammates, friends and supporters around the world.

“The encouragement I have received has been extremely humbling and playing in front of them is certainly something I will miss,” he said.

Johnson had a tally of 311 Test wickets going into the final day of the WACA Test.

Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708) are the only men above him on the list of Australia’s greatest wicket-takers.

He finishes a two-time ICC Cricketer of the Year, having collected the gong in 2009 and 2014.

Johnson fell out of love with the game in 2011, when he genuinely weighed up retirement after a serious toe injury.

He battled back to full fitness and frightening pace, but again contemplated calling it quits following his side’s failed Ashes campaign this year.

“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,” Cricket Australia chairman David Peever said.

MITCHELL JOHNSON’S MAGNIFICENT NUMBERS

•  311 wickets from 73 Tests at an average of 28.52
• 239 wickets from 153 ODIs at an average of 25.26
• 38 wickets from 30 T20Is at an average of 20.97
• 12-127, his career-best Test match figures recorded in Australia’s win over South Africa in Centurion in 2014
• 8-61, his career-best Test innings figures recorded in Australia’s loss to South Africa in Perth in 2008
• 6-31, his career-best ODI figures recorded in Australia’s win over Sri Lanka in Kandy in 2011
• 2 Sir Garfield Sobers trophies, awarded to the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and 2014
• Two-time World Cup winner, he failed to play a game in Australia’s undefeated 2007 campaign but was part of the squad
• 37 wickets, Johnson’s stunning haul in the 2013-14 Ashes. It was five short of breaking the record for most scalps in an Ashes series, but Rodney Hogg achieved that in six Tests.
• 156.8 km/hr, the fastest speed his bowling was clocked at. It came in the 2013 Boxing Day Test against England.
• Twice, the number of times he broke Graeme Smith’s hand in 2009. Also broke Kumar Sangakkara’s hand in 2012, while the menacing paceman broke Ryan McLaren’s arm in 2014.

– AAP