Six little-known facts about Mitchell Johnson

New Delhi: Deadly Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson, who gave world-class batsmen sleepless nights, announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday.

He is arguably the most feared bowler in contemporary cricket, who played 71 Tests and took 306 wickets.

As the pacer announced his retirement, here are few little-known facts about the cricketer.

1. Johnson worked with Dennis Lillee at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai in 2007. In fact, the former Australian speedster also helped Johnson before the start of the Ashes 2013-14 series, which was a turning point in the pacer's life.

2. Johnson was also part of the Australian team which took part in the ICC under-19 World Cup in 2000.

3. There was a time in Johnson's career when he was even forced to drive plumbing vans, as the he was struggling with his form while playing club cricket.

4. Johnson, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2007, is the 398th player to play Test cricket for Australia.

5. Johnson was the second Australian after Ricky Ponting to be awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.

6. Johnson's wife Jessica Bratich holds a black belt in karate.