Calcutta/Perth: Mitchell Johnson, one of the most devastating fast bowlers of the modern era, retired from international cricket on Tuesday, at the conclusion of the second Test against New Zealand.

According to the Australia pacer, he had lost his hunger for a challenge.

The 34-year-old left-arm pacer, who was named International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Year in 2009 and 2014, announced his retirement before the day's play at the Waca.

Quite fittingly, he took both the New Zealand wickets that fell on the final day's play, to finish with 313 Test victims, at an average of 28.40.

The second Test ended in a draw. New Zealand's pursuit of 321 runs for victory in 48 overs looked unlikely to succeed, and after rain cut 90 minutes out of the fifth and final day, the spoils were destined to be shared.

The visitors had made 104 for two when bad light brought an end to the game, leaving Australia 1-0 up, with one more Test to go.

Johnson bowled two last bouncers to dismiss both the New Zealand openers and was chaired off the pitch by his team mates.

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

"The ride has to come to an end at some point and to do so here at the Waca is very special. 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 added.

Speaking about his fantastic career, Johnson 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 World Cup (earlier this year) is something I will treasure forever."

Acknowledging the support of his family, he said: "My family have been by my side throughout and I could not have achieved all I have without their support.

"They have made a lot of sacrifices, especially my beautiful wife Jess who has provided me with unconditional support, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

"They say the greatest thing about playing sport is the friends you make along the way and I have been fortunate enough to play and work with some incredible people and have cemented lifelong friendships.

"I would certainly like to thank the people of Australia, and all those around the world, who have supported me.

"The encouragement I have received has been extremely humbling and playing in front of them is certainly something I will miss."

On finishing his career the way he did, Johnson said: "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," said Johnson.

"There was 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."

"I was really happy to finish off so well. I really enjoyed myself batting and bowling today, I guess you have that weight lifted off, you just go out and have some fun.

"I just lost that hunger on those tough days, that's where my decision came, that's something I really used to enjoy about Test cricket, the challenge of those difficult days and I just wasn't enjoying it."

Figures of 1/157 in New Zealand's first innings in the second Test, the most expensive by an Australian bowler in a Test at the Waca, affected him.

"The first innings bowling was my final decision. It's something I've been thinking about for a year on and off, I guess after the World Cup I thought that was a good time to go out of one-day cricket.

"But with new guys in the team I thought I could help, being a senior player, but I just felt I couldn't compete any more at this level.

"I felt like I couldn't be the best for this team. I didn't want to continue playing at a standard that wasn't good enough."

Born and raised in Queensland, Johnson ended up playing his state cricket for Western Australia and so it is appropriate he played his 73rd and final Test match at the Waca.

Among the highlights of his career was his stunning role the 2013-14 Ashes triumph, when he took 37 wickets.

"That was definitely a huge moment, I would have had regrets if I didn't come back there," he said.

"I felt like I hadn't given my best at that point in my career. It was an exciting time in my career and something I'll always cherish."

Johnson also took 239 wickets in 153 one-day Internationals, at an average of 25.26 apiece and 38 in 30 T20 Internationals.

Johnson's love for bowling fast is well known. He recounted an interesting story on his farewell day.

"I remember Brett Lee talking before his retirement. He said basically he just wanted to bowl fast and if he ever got to the point where he couldn't bowl fast, then he was done as well. So I felt like I was on that wave-length as well."

A true fast-bowler.