Australia’s experienced fast bowler will miss Thursday’s T20I against New Zealand and the opening match of the Women’s Big Bash League after breaching prescription medication guidelines.

Australia have suffered a setback ahead of the final T20 International against New Zealand, with fast bowler Megan Schutt suspended for two matches by Cricket Australia for failing to comply with prescription medication requirements.

The 33-year-old right-arm seamer will miss Thursday’s third T20I at North Sydney Oval, as well as the opening match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Cricket Australia said the breach involved its Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines concerning prescription medication. The incident occurred outside competition and was not related to performance enhancement, the governing body confirmed.

Schutt accepted the penalty and apologised for failing to meet the standards expected of Australian representatives.

“I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me,” she said, adding that she understood her responsibility to follow the guidelines.

Cricket Australia said it would continue to provide appropriate support to the player while reinforcing the standards expected across the game.

Australia lead the three-match T20I series 2-0 after winning the opening match by two wickets on 18 October and the second by 40 runs on 20 October. They will seek to complete a series sweep in Thursday’s final encounter.

Although Schutt has not featured in the T20I series, she recently impressed in the ODI series against Bangladesh, taking 10 wickets across three matches in the ICC Women’s Championship.

Her suspension therefore comes after a strong run of form in international cricket.