Megan Schutt slapped with two-match ban for prescription medication breach

Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt has been suspended for two matches after failing to comply with regulations around the use of prescription medication.

According to a statement from Cricket Australia, the incident took place outside of competition and wasn’t done with the intention of performance enhancement.

Schutt will miss Australia’s third and final T20I against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval, as well as the Adelaide Strikers' opening game of the WBBL|12 against Melbourne Stars on October 31.

"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,” said Cricket Australia in a statement.

Megan Schutt apologised for not meeting the required standards and not following Sports Science and Sports Medicine Guidelines.

"I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me. 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,” said Schutt in a statement.

Schutt was recently adjudged Player of the ODI Series against Bangladesh, finishing as the leading wicket-taker across three matches with ten scalps to her name. She was also adjudged Player of the Match in the third ODI played in Brisbane, registering figures of 4/16 in ten overs.

The right-arm seamer is the leading wicket-taker for Australia in women’s T20Is with 152 wickets from 126 matches. Apart from that, she also has 158 wickets from 114 ODIs and nine Test wickets from four games.