Australian cricketers congratulate Nathan Hauritz (C) for taking the wicket of Indian batsman Santhakumaran Sreesanth during the fourth day of the second test between India and Australia at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on October 12, 2010. India, replying to Australia's first innings total of 478, were all out for 495 just before lunch on the fourth day of the second and final cricket Test AFP PHOTO/Dibyangshu SARKAR (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Australian Test off-spinner Nathan Haurtiz has announced his retirement from competitive cricket.

Haurtiz played 17 Test matches for Australia, taking 63 wickets at a average of 34.98.

The 34-year-old also represented his country in 58 One-Day Internationals, claiming 63 scalps at an average of 34.15.

He played the majority of his Test cricket shortly after the retirement of Shane Warne, as Australia searched far and wide for a replacement for the king of spin in the Test side.

He also played 79 first class matches, taking 187 wickets, and 172 List A matches, with 196 wickets.