Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt has received a two-match suspension for breaching Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines regarding prescription medication. The 33-year-old will miss Australia’s third and final T20I against New Zealand on Thursday, October 22, as well as the Adelaide Strikers’ opening match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12 against the Melbourne Stars on October 31.
Cricket Australia confirmed the disciplinary action in an official statement, clarifying that the breach involved a single incident that occurred outside the competition period. The governing body also stressed that the incident was not related to performance enhancement.
“The breach was a failure to adhere to requirements under the Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines with regard to prescription medication. This relates to a single incidence which occurred while out of competition and was not for performance enhancing purposes. We will continue to provide appropriate support to Megan and reinforce the standards and responsibilities expected of everyone representing our game,” Cricket Australia stated.
ALSO READ: New Zealand vs India 2026 (1st T20I) – Playing XI Predictions
Following the announcement, Schutt accepted the suspension and apologised for failing to meet the standards expected of players representing Australian cricket. The experienced pacer acknowledged that she was responsible for complying with the guidelines, which players receive regular education on.
🚨Australian pacer Megan Schutt has been suspended for two matches.
The breach was a failure to adhere to requirements under the Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines with regard to prescription medication. https://t.co/3CazlBtwPX
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 22, 2026
“I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me,” Megan Schutt said in her statement. “I’m sorry for the attention this has caused and appreciate the support I’ve received. While this occurred out of competition and was not performance related, I understand that I am responsible for following the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Guidelines, which players receive regular education on, and I should have adhered to these guidelines.”
Schutt’s suspension comes at an important stage of Australia’s international campaign, although the hosts have already secured the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. Australia won the opening match by two wickets before delivering a more convincing performance in the second game, with a 40-run win.
ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar As India’s First Choice In New Zealand T20Is
The third T20I at North Sydney Oval on Thursday will give Australia an opportunity to complete a series clean sweep. However, Schutt’s absence means the team will need to adjust its bowling combination for the final encounter.
The suspension will also affect her domestic commitments, ruling her out of the Adelaide Strikers’ opening fixture of WBBL 12 against the Melbourne Stars on October 31. Despite the setback, Schutt has accepted the penalty and acknowledged the importance of following Cricket Australia’s medical and compliance requirements.
