Australian cricketer handed two-match drug ban

Australian cricketer Megan Schutt has been handed a two-match suspension after not complying with Cricket Australia's requirements surrounding prescription medication use.

In a statement, the governing body confirmed that Schutt has breached its Sport Science and Sports Medicine guidelines, resulting in her punishment.

Cricket Australia did acknowledge that the incident did occur outside of competition and was not performance-enhancing, resulting in a lesser punishment.

"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."

Schutt also released a statement of her own, apologising for her actions.

"I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me," it said.

"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."

As a result, the fast bowler will miss the final T20 in their three-match series against New Zealand on Thursday (tonight) alongside the Adelaide Strikers' first match of the WBBL season against the Melbourne Stars at the end of the month.

The reigning T20 World Champions will face New Zealand at North Sydney Oval, with the first ball scheduled for 7:15pm AEDT.