Megan Schutt handed two-match suspension for prescription medication breach

Megan Schutt (Photo by Albert Perez – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt has been handed a two-match suspension for failing to comply with Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines governing the use of prescription medication.

The 33-year-old pacer will miss Australia’s third and final T20I against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, October 22. She will also be unavailable for the Adelaide Strikers’ opening match of Weber WBBL 12 against the Melbourne Stars on October 31.

Cricket Australia confirmed the suspension in an official statement, clarifying that the breach involved a single incident that occurred outside the competition period and 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,” CA wrote.

Following the announcement, Schutt accepted the penalty and apologised for failing to meet the standards expected of players representing Australian cricket. The experienced pacer also acknowledged her responsibility to follow the guidelines, which players receive regular education on.

“I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me,” Schutt’s statement read.

“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.”

Australia eye T20I series sweep against New Zealand

Schutt’s suspension comes ahead of Australia’s final T20I against New Zealand, with the hosts having already secured the series after winning the first two matches.

Australia won the opening encounter by two wickets before registering a 40-run victory in the second T20I. The third match will be played at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, October 22, with the hosts aiming to complete a clean sweep.

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