Megan Schutt Handed Two-Match Ban Over Prescription Medication Breach

Cricket Australia has handed veteran fast bowler Megan Schutt a two-match suspension for breaching the board's requirements around the use of prescription medication, a ruling that sidelines her from Australia's final T20I against New Zealand and the opening game of the Women's Big Bash League season. The suspension was confirmed on October 22 after Cricket Australia concluded its investigation. According to the board's statement, the breach was a failure to adhere to requirements under its Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines with regard to prescription medication. Cricket Australia stressed that the matter involved a single incident that occurred while Schutt was out of competition and was not for performance-enhancing purposes. Schutt accepted the penalty immediately and issued a public apology, saying she fully accepted the decision and was sorry for failing to meet the standards expected of her. The 33-year-old acknowledged that players receive regular education on the guidelines and that she should have adhered to them. The ban covers all international and domestic cricket, meaning Schutt will miss the third T20I against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval on Thursday — Australia lead the series 2-0 — as well as Adelaide Strikers' WBBL opener against Melbourne Stars on October 31. Cricket Australia said it would continue to provide support to the seamer, who was not selected for the first two T20Is despite being available.