Former Test opening batsman Simon Katich has announced his retirement from first-class cricket in Australia.

Katich was axed from the Australian team after the 2010-2011 Ashes series defeat in Australia and was stripped of the NSW captaincy last year in the Sheffield Shield competition.

The 36-year-old is currently playing with Hampshire in the English County competition and is committed to play for the Perth Scorchers in the Champions League Twenty20 in October.

Katich released a statement through Cricket Australia citing prioritising his young family as the reason for his retirement.

The West Australian played 56 Tests for Australia, scoring 4188 runs at an average of 45.03.

His demotion from the Test team was highly controversial and his tense relationship with Australian skipper Michael Clarke has been played out heavily in the media.

Starting out with Western Australia at State level, Katich went on to star for NSW and has amassed 19,667 first class runs.

Through the statement, Cricket Australia said Katich wished to thanked the WACA and NSW Cricket associations for “providing wonderful cricketing environments and amazing opportunities”.

“He wishes to thank them all (coaches and players) for the camaraderie and support over the last 16 years and for the chance to play in winning teams.

“With a young family and a desire for an extended time at home, Simon has decided it is time to reassess his priorities.”