Off-spinner Nathan Hauritz has retired from all three formats of cricket with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old has taken the decision following his recent outing for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, during which his two overs went for 29 runs.

"I was just so shattered after the game. I realised I hadn't come down here to be that disappointed about a game of cricket anymore. I thought 'I don't need that anymore'. I just want to get away," he said in a statement.

"The highs and lows [are too much]. I need to get off that up and down rollercoaster and get back to a bit of normality in life.

"I have a lot of good memories, obviously a few bad ones mixed among them. But I'll definitely look back at my career very proud and very happy with what I achieved."

Hauritz featured in 17 Test matches for Australia, having made his debut against India 12 years ago.