Australia's special tribute to Johnson

There's been no shortage of tributes and plaudits after Mitchell Johnson's retirement, but the most meaningful came late on Tuesday night deep within the WACA Ground.

Johnson ended his international career with two wickets on day five of the second Test against New Zealand, bringing his overall tally to 313.

The two sides shared drinks after the draw, with the tourists all making an effort to congratulate Johnson before heading back to their hotel.

Steve Smith's men then started to reel off their favourite memories of Johnson and why they regard the left-armer so highly.

"At the back end of the night, when everyone left, it was just the players and staff talking about him as a player and as a person," coach Darren Lehmann said.

WATCH: Lehmann praises Mitchell Johnson

"It was pretty special.

"It was just good to have him and his family and his friends in the room. He really controlled the night."

Johnson decided to end a decorated international career midway through his 73rd Test, realising he no longer had the hunger to compete at the highest level.

Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563) and mentor Dennis Lillee (355) are the only men above the 34-year-old on the list of Australia's greatest wicket-takers.

Lehmann described the express paceman as a role model.

"Ever since I've known Mitch, you get that real sense of what a friendly bloke he is," he said.

"But once you get onto that field, he's a fierce competitor.

WATCH: Mitch Johnson joins Flem on Stumps

"He's been a world-class performer for a long period of time.

"We're going to miss him."

Lehmann added Johnson delivered a unique sense of excitement in Test cricket.

"If I had to pick out one moment, it'd be that spell in Adelaide (in the 2013-14 Ashes)," he said.

"On a flat wicket, he took five wickets in the space of 19 balls, and you saw people rushing to watch that spell of bowling."

WATCH: Johnson's 37 Ashes wickets