Darren Lehmann, Steve Smith wanted Mitchell Johnson to play on

Australia coach Darren Lehmann says he and Captain Steve Smith both wanted Mitchell Johnson to play on, at least in one-dayers, but were unable to convince the fiery fast bowler to reconsider retirement.

Renowned for his express pace, ferocious bounce and capacity to intimidate, the 34-year-old announced last week he was calling it quits from all forms of international cricket, saying he had lost the hunger.

Lehmann said he and Smith, well aware of Australia's inexperienced pace stocks, wanted Johnson to extend his international career but he was not interested.