Mitchell Johnson’s mentor, Australian Test great Dennis Lillee, has quit his post at Cricket Australia (CA) after being refused a pay rise.

Lillee has been credited for reigniting the career of Ashes hero Johnson, but will cease his consultancy work with Australia’s pack of fast bowlers after failing to agree to terms for a contract renewal.

In February, Lillee told Melbourne radio station SEN that he was “taking a stance” with CA over his pay, claiming cricket bosses were “quibbling over an increase”.

Lillee said in February he no longer wanted to be taken for a ride as a coaching consultant and, after protracted negotiations, CA confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that it had parted ways with the fast bowling legend.

“Unfortunately, Dennis Lillee didn’t accept Cricket Australia’s offer to renew his contract. He is a great of the game and the door will always be open to him if he wants to return and be involved in any way. We’ve made a point in recent times of being open to bringing in coaching consultants when required,” a statement from a CA spokesperson read.

As well as playing a part in helping Johnson rediscover his confidence and rhythm, Lillee has also worked closely with young talents Pat Cummins and James Faulkner.

It’s not the first time Lillee has walked out on Cricket Australia over remuneration, however he forecast his decision in February in the SEN interview.

“Out of the goodness of my heart, I am still in touch with him (Cummins). He’s a good lad and he’s got a big future, but I’m over that. I’ve got other work to do. Not particularly Pat but then everyone comes on board and Cricket Australia think ‘here he is, he’ll just continue to do it anyway’. So I’m taking a stance,” Lillee said at the time.

Despite Lillee’s departure, Cricket Australia this week extended the contract of Test fast bowling coach Craig McDermott until 2016.