Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has retired from international cricket following the completion of the second Test against New Zealand in Perth.
The 34-year-old, Australia's fourth highest Test wicket-taker behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee, has decided to walk away after 73 Tests.
He said: 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.
But 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.
My career has certainly had its ups 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 is something I will treasure forever.
His record in Cardiff was not so impressive, although he took five wickets in the first Ashes Test Match at the venue in 2009, he took a barrage of abuse from the Barmy Army, becoming something of a pantomime villain as England held on to draw.
In 2013 he returned figures of 0-64 as England snatched an ODI victory in the Welsh capital and earlier this year in the first innings of the Test Match at The SSE SWALEC the highly vaunted bowler produced figures of 0-111 from 25 overs to gain even more attention from the Barmy Army. When he reached his century - 100 runs for no wicket - the local crowd gave him a standing ovation at the end of the over. As he walked towards them to the boundary rope, he took off his cap to acknowledge the applause.
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That he showed such determination in the face of disappointment was evidenced by his second innings efforts with bat and ball as he picked up the wickets of Bell and Ali as well as hitting the ball to all corners of the venue for 77 runs in rearguard defiance.
Cricket Australia chairman David Peever said: Dennis Lillee was certainly right many years ago when he identified a young Mitchell Johnson as a future great of Australian cricket.
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.
We thank Mitchell for his outstanding service to the game and wish him, wife Jessica and daughter Rubika the very best for life beyond cricket.