Australia pacer Megan Schutt banned for two matches over prescription medication rules breach

Cricket Australia has banned veteran Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt for two matches for failing to follow the rules on prescription medication. The board confirmed this in a statement.

The board clarified that the incident occurred outside competition and has nothing to do with performance-enhancing drugs. According to the board, the matter concerns prescription medication under sports science and sports medicine guidelines. Schutt did not meet the conditions that applied to the use of the medication.

Cricket Australia said the incident took place before the Australian team's tour of Bangladesh. It was the only lapse in following the rules while she was outside competition. The board said it will continue to give the player the support she needs. It will also keep impressing on players the importance of the standards and responsibilities expected of them when representing the national team.

According to Cricket Australia, the ban applies equally to international and domestic cricket. As a result, Schutt will miss the third and final T20 international against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval on Thursday. That match is on October 22. She will also miss the first match of the Women's Big Bash League on October 31. The opening game of WBBL 2026 is to be played between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars.

Schutt has accepted the action. She apologised for not following the rules. She expressed regret over the public anger and thanked people for the support she received. Schutt said it was her responsibility to follow the sports science and sports medicine guidelines and that she should have complied with them.

Australia already lead the three-match T20 series 2-0. The team will look to win the last match and complete a clean sweep of New Zealand, but must play it without Schutt.

Schutt, 33, has a long record. She has taken 9 wickets in 4 women's Tests, with best figures of 4 for 26. In 114 one-day internationals she has 158 wickets, with best figures of 5 for 19. In women's T20 internationals she has taken 152 wickets in 126 matches, with best figures of 5 for 15.