Wicket-keeper Brad Haddin has announced his retirement from international and state cricket.

Haddin, who will continue to play Twenty20 cricket for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, leaves the longest form of the game having played 66 Tests for his country.

The 37-year-old averaged 32.98 with the bat in Test cricket and took 270 dismissals.

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He also played 126 one-day internationals for Australia and 34 Twenty20 internationals.

“I’ve only ever wanted to play at the SCG. It’s great to be here today to make my announcement,” Haddin told reporters.

“I came to the realisation after Lord’s. I’ve had a privileged run, but I lost the hunger on the Ashes Tour. It was an easy decision to retire.”

“It was all about making myself the best cricketer I could be every time I walked out on the training paddock – I probably lost that hunger from there (Lord’s).”

Asked about highlights of his career, Haddin said: “I think obviously, Ashes campaigns. Whether you win or lose I think, they’re pretty special moments in someone’s career.

‘We can cover retirements’

“I think Australian cricket is in good stead. We’ve got great depth, we’ve got good people around to help them (players) achieve what they need to achieve,” he said.

“It’s an exciting time, I think we can cover all the retirements.

“We’ve got a great leader in Steve Smith, and the best thing about Steve at the moment he’s on top of his game. He’s going to be a great leader for Australia for a long time.”

Haddin said he planned to spend more time with his family post-retirement.

“(My wife) Karina and I would like to get more involved with Westmead Hospital and see if we can do anything to help there,” he said.

“It gives me the opportunity to sit back and watch the kids growing up.

“(My son) Zac says I’m not allowed to retire from, what is it, sixes (Twenty20)? So I’ve got to play that, yeah.”

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland hailed Haddin’s contribution in a statement.

“Brad was a vital player during an important period in Australian cricket,” he said.

“He showed true leadership at the most difficult of times and proved a loyal deputy to Michael Clarke when appointed vice-captain from the 2013 Ashes series.

“Brad can be enormously proud of his contribution to Australian cricket on and off the field.”

– with ABC