Megan Schutt accepts two-match suspension over prescription medication breach

Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt has accepted a two-match suspension after breaching Cricket Australia's rules on prescription medication. The sanction, announced on Thursday, October 22, covers domestic and international cricket. Cricket Australia said the case concerned one incident outside competition and was not connected to an attempt to improve sporting performance.

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According to Daijiworld's reporting of the board's statement, Schutt failed to comply with its Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines. The incident occurred during a break before Australia's series against Bangladesh. Cricket Australia said it would continue supporting the bowler while reminding those involved in the game of their obligations and the standards they must meet.

Schutt apologised and accepted responsibility for not following the requirements. In her statement, also reported by Daijiworld, she acknowledged that players receive regular instruction on the guidelines and that compliance remained her responsibility despite the incident happening away from competition. She also expressed regret over the attention generated by the case and thanked those who had supported her.

The suspension comes after a productive run of one-day bowling for the 33-year-old. On Field News reported that she played four matches while the matter was under investigation: a Women's National Cricket League fixture for South Australia and three one-day internationals against Bangladesh. Her figures were 2 for 49 in the domestic match, followed by 2 for 19, 4 for 36 and 4 for 16 against Bangladesh, giving her 10 wickets in that international series.

Schutt had been available for the first two T20 internationals against New Zealand but was not selected, according to On Field News. AAP reported that Thursday's Sydney washout counted as the first match of her suspension. The penalty therefore extends beyond the conclusion of Australia's three-match T20 series and into her domestic commitments with Adelaide.

She is expected to complete the ban when the Adelaide Strikers face the Melbourne Stars in their opening Women's Big Bash League match on October 31. On Field News reported that the sanction applies to the next two fixtures for which she is available, following the completion of Cricket Australia's investigation and her acceptance of the punishment.