One of Australian cricket's most beguiling and brilliant careers ended during a fairly staid final day on what was a rather bland WACA Test. Truth be told, it would have been altogether a forgettable affair had it not been for Johnson's retirement.
But the final day will always endear thanks to a treasure trove of Johnson images. When he came out to bat, as a small WACA crowd collectively rose to their feet and hollered, New Zealand paid tribute with a guard of honour followed by Brendon McCullum, the skipper, shaking Johnson's hand. The firebrand paceman, known for his aggressiveness on-field, was taken aback by the gesture. It was a telltale sign of Johnson's overwhelming contribution to the game, and spoke of the reverence opponents had for him.
It was like he realised how universally respected he was in the cricket fraternity. Johnson produced a few trademark aggressive shots. He was always a powerful hitter, with a knack of striking the ball cleanly even though his feet were basically glued to the crease.
Even though Johnson has scored a Test ton, and probably had enough natural talent with the bat to become an all-rounder if he so desired, it was of course, his bowling that everyone was anticipating. Everyone at the ground, bar the New Zealand team, wanted a Johnson throwback performance. Even though an Australian victory seemed a long shot, you just never know when Johnson has the ball. He had the rarefied ability to change the course of a match in a matter of deliveries. Johnson was the ultimate white hot bowler; when he was in rhythm and everything synchronised, he was virtually unplayable.
Time, rain and the stout bats of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor curtailed any chance of a magical fairytale send-off for Johnson. But somehow, maybe through a kind nudge from the cricket gods, the pitch surprisingly started playing tricks. Johnson was able to make the ball talk like he had memorably done, so many times throughout the years. The crowd was clapping every time Johnson steamed in. There were chants of "Johhnooo is a legend" and other assortments throughout. Buoyed by the encouragement, Johnson steamed in like he had transformed back into the beast that possessed him so memorably in 2013-14.
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