Australia fast bowler handed two-match ban for medication breach

Australia's Megan Schutt (PTI Photo)

Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt has been handed a two-match suspension for failing to comply with requirements governing the use of prescription medication, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday.The 33-year-old will miss Australia's third and final T20I against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, as well as Adelaide Strikers' opening match of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) against Melbourne Stars on October 31.Cricket Australia clarified that the breach involved a single incident that occurred outside competition and was not related to performance enhancement. The suspension applies to both international and domestic cricket.

Cricket Australia clarifies nature of breach

In a statement, CA said the offence involved non-compliance with its medical guidelines governing prescription medication."The breach was a failure to adhere to requirements under the Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines with regard to prescription medication," Cricket Australia said.The governing body also stressed that the incident was isolated and had occurred outside the competitive environment.

"This (breach) relates to a single incidence which occurred while out of competition and was not for performance enhancing purposes," CA added.The suspension means Schutt will be unavailable for Australia's series-deciding T20I against New Zealand and will also miss the beginning of her domestic campaign with Adelaide Strikers.

Schutt accepts sanction and apologises

Schutt accepted the suspension and apologised for not meeting the standards expected of players representing Australian cricket."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," Schutt said in her statement.The fast bowler acknowledged that players were regularly educated about the relevant guidelines and accepted responsibility for complying with them.

"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," she added.CA said it would continue to provide appropriate support to Schutt while reinforcing the standards and responsibilities expected of everyone representing the game.

Suspension follows impressive ODI series

The ban comes after Schutt enjoyed an outstanding ODI series against Bangladesh, finishing as Player of the Series after taking 10 wickets at an average of 7.1.Her absence is a setback for Australia ahead of the final T20I against New Zealand, while Adelaide Strikers will also have to manage without the experienced pacer for their WBBL opener.The suspension is limited to two matches, with CA's statement making clear that the incident was not related to performance-enhancing purposes.