Melbourne: Former Australian Test opener Simon Katich Tuesday announced his retirement from first class cricket at home.

In a statement, Robert Joske Management, the agency that manages Katich said: "Simon Katich wishes to advise that he has decided to retire from first class cricket in Australia. Simon is currently enjoying playing with Hampshire in the English county season and is committed to play for the Perth Scorchers in the Champions League Twenty20 in October.

"The WACA and Cricket New South Wales have provided wonderful cricketing environments and amazing opportunities for Simon to play under great coaches, with terrific players and surrounded by dedicated support staff. He wishes to thank them all 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."

Katich was dropped from the Australian team after the 2010-2011 Ashes series defeat at home and was also stripped of the New South Wales captaincy in the Sheffield Shield competition last year.

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

He was also ommission from the Test squad and subsequently from Cricket Australia (CA) central contracts was highly controversial due to his tumultous relationship with Australian skipper Michael Clarke.

Katich started with Western Australia at the state level, before moving to New South Wales and has scored 19,667 first-class runs. (IANS)