2nd Test against New Zealand could be Mitchell Johnson`s last, reckons Mark Taylor

New Delhi: Former Australian skipper Mark Taylor believes the ongoing Test between Australia and New Zealand could be Mitchell Johnson's final Test.

Johnson said ahead of the the Perth Test that he was thinking about retirement "most days" and Taylor said it meant that the retirement was near for the intimidating pacer, who had no impact whatsoever in the first innings against the Kiwis.

"Once you start thinking about giving the game away it’s always a worrying sign, because days like Australia have had over the last day and a half, 130-odd overs in the field, they weigh heavily on you," he said before play on day four in his commentary role with Channel Nine.

"You start to think, 'Should I still be playing, I’m now 34, the body’s getting a bit older, I’m getting a bit sorer, do I still really want to do it?

"The good news is he got the wicket but if this is not his last Test, I think we’re getting really close to seeing the last of Mitchell Johnson, which is a shame because he’s been a terrific bowler for Australia."

At the end of New Zealand's first innings, Johnson's figures read 1/157 - the most runs conceded by an Australia bowler in a Test innings at the WACA - surpassing Mitchell Starc's figures of 6-154 from 2012.

Johnson has now played 15 Tests without a five-wicket haul, something which is difficult to believe after his incredible show against England in 2013 where he hammered the Poms by claiming 37 wickets.