Smith hails 'the ultimate professional'

Mitchell Johnson's retirement was a surprise to Australia's captain Steven Smith, who described the departing fast bowler as "the ultimate professional". Johnson told his team-mates and coach Darren Lehmann of his decision after play on the fourth day against New Zealand at the WACA, and Smith said Johnson seemed like a man at peace with his decision.

"He wasn't too bad, I think he'd been thinking about it quite a lot," Smith said on Channel Nine on the fifth morning. "He pulled Darren and myself aside and told us, and then addressed the boys. I think it was nice just to get it off his chest. Hopefully he can come out later on today and see what he can produce."

Johnson's retirement marks the end of an era for Australia's Test team: he was the 398th man to represent Australia in Tests and joins No.399 Chris Rogers, No.391 Shane Watson, and No.389 Michael Clarke in calling time on his career in 2015. The 12th man, Peter Siddle, is now the only member of Australia's Test squad to have debuted before Smith, who is only 26.

"It came as a bit of a surprise," Smith said. "He obviously feels it's the right time. He's the last of the 300 club, the 300 baggy green numbers. We're into the 400s now in our team. He was a terrific athlete, the ultimate professional and an amazing fast bowler. I think he changed the way Australian cricket was played. To be the fourth-leading wicket for Australia for all time in Test cricket, it's a pretty amazing record."

Johnson will have the chance on day five against New Zealand to add to his tally of 311 Test wickets, but regardless of how many he claims, he will finish his career behind only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee on Australia's all-time tally. His absence will remove a huge chunk of experience from the attack that Smith will have available to him as he embarks on his captaincy career.

"He's the ultimate professional, he works so hard on his game," Smith said. "When he got the ball swinging like that at 150kph he was an absolute nightmare to face. I'm certainly not going to miss facing him in the nets. He gave me a few bouncers in there that I'll always remember. He's just a great performer for Australia and he deserves all the accolades he receives.

"It would have been nice to have him a little bit longer but I think you know the right time to retire. He feels that right now. He's been a great athlete and a true ambassador of the game for Australian cricket and he's going to be missed."