Departing Hayden holds head high

Kellie and Matthew Hayden survey the Gabba ahead of Australia's Twenty20 victory there

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Matthew Hayden insists he walks away with “zero regrets” after announcing his retirement from cricket.

The 37-year-old made his decision public at a press conference in Brisbane today.

Hayden, who brought an end to both his international and domestic careers, was afforded an emotional farewell with a lap of honour in front of his home crowd at the Gabba between innings in today's Twenty20 international between Australia and South Africa.

“It’s been very unique and special to be here with my family and all the people that have supported me along the way,” he said, standing pitchside with his wife and three children.

“It’s been a hell of a journey - it ends here tonight. It casts off in a new direction of life as well. This little tribe here is exactly what makes the decision not easy but decisive.”

Hayden, who played 103 Tests, struggled to make an impact in the five-day arena this summer against New Zealand and South Africa at home, scoring just 149 runs at 16.55 from five matches.

Hayden’s second-innings knock of 39 against the Proteas last week was the best he managed in his last five Tests.

He admitted he had considered playing on to try to prove his recent critics wrong, but ultimately decided the time was right to call it a day.

“I don’t think my story would be complete without a few ‘stick it up ‘em’ stories,” he said. “But I don’t hold any malice whatsoever towards the game.

“The game has been incredible to me, incredible to my family. And you’ve seen today the amazing support I've had - not just from Queenslanders but right around Australia. No regrets.

“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.