DEPARTING HAYDEN HOLDS HEAD HIGH

The 37-year-old, who made his decision public at a press conference in Brisbane on Tuesday, was afforded an emotional farewell with a lap of honour in front of his home crowd at the Gabba between innings during Australia's Twenty20 international against South Africa.

Standing pitchside with his wife and three children, Hayden told Sky Sports 1: "The game has been incredible to me, incredible to my family. And you've seen here the amazing support I've had - not just from Queenslanders but right around Australia. No regrets."

He added: "I've tried to extract every ounce of ability I've been given, and with the help of my beautiful family they've given me the opportunity to launch into that for the last 14 years."

The decision comes after the veteran opener was dropped from Australia's one-day and Twenty20 squads for this current series against the Proteas.

He had hoped to push on for the tour to South Africa next month and the Ashes in England later this year.

Flanked by Australia captain Ricky Ponting, Hayden told Tuesday's press conference that he was ready to move on to the next stage of his life.

"I am announcing my retirement from competitive cricket, effective immediately," he said.

"I have lived the dream and loved every minute of representing Australia and Queensland - there's zero regrets when it comes to my cricket performance.

"I feel privileged to have been in a position where I've had longevity because I've experienced the enormity of the experience in the longer term."