Australia’s veteran fast bowler will miss the final T20 against New Zealand and Adelaide Strikers’ WBBL opener after accepting Cricket Australia’s sanction.
SYDNEY — WEB DESK: Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt has been suspended for two matches after breaching Cricket Australia’s guidelines governing prescription medication, the governing body confirmed on Thursday, October 22.
The 33-year-old will miss Australia’s third and final Twenty20 International against New Zealand and Adelaide Strikers’ opening match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) against Melbourne Stars on October 31.
Cricket Australia clarified that the breach involved a single incident outside competition and was not related to performance enhancement. Schutt accepted the sanction and apologised for failing to comply with the required guidelines.
Cricket Australia explains the suspension
In its statement, Cricket Australia said Schutt had failed to meet requirements under its Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines concerning prescription medication.
The governing body stressed that the incident occurred outside competition and was not for performance-enhancing purposes.
Cricket Australia also said it would continue to support Schutt while reinforcing the standards and responsibilities expected of players representing Australian cricket.
The announcement concerns compliance with prescription medication rules. It should not be interpreted as confirmation that Schutt used an illicit substance or a performance-enhancing drug.
Schutt accepts penalty and apologises
Schutt said she fully accepted the penalty and apologised for failing to meet the standards expected of her.
She acknowledged that players receive regular education about the relevant guidelines and said she was responsible for following them.
The fast bowler also expressed regret over the attention caused by the incident and thanked those who had supported her.
Which matches will Schutt miss?
The two-match suspension covers international and domestic cricket.
Schutt is set to miss:
- Australia’s third and final T20 international against New Zealand on October 22.
- Adelaide Strikers’ WBBL opening match against Melbourne Stars on October 31.
Her absence means Australia and Adelaide Strikers will be without the experienced fast bowler for their respective fixtures.
Suspension follows strong ODI series
The suspension comes after Schutt’s impressive performances in Australia’s recent one-day international series against Bangladesh.
She took 10 wickets across three matches and was named Player of the Series, according to reports published following the announcement of her suspension.
Her recent ODI form underlines the contrast between her performances on the field and the administrative breach that led to the sanction.
