Schutt Makes Immediate Impact After Surprise Australia Recall

Veteran fast bowler Megan Schutt produced an instant statement performance after an unexpected recall to Australia’s ODI side, declaring “they can’t get rid of me that easily” following her match-defining spell against India.

Schutt, who has previously indicated she does not plan to continue through to the 2029 50-over World Cup, was not initially named in Australia’s ODI squad for the ongoing multi-format series. However, injuries to Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry opened the door for the experienced seamer, who boarded a 6am flight on Monday to join the squad.

Reinstated with the new ball, Schutt wasted little time making her presence felt. With just her second delivery, she trapped India’s Pratika Rawal lbw with a trademark inswinger, setting the tone for a disciplined Australian bowling display. The hosts secured a six-wicket victory to level the multi-format series at 2-2 after India had earlier taken the T20I leg.

Speaking on arrival in Hobart for back-to-back fixtures, Schutt said she relished the opportunity to contribute.

“I’ve been joking with them all the time that they can’t get rid of me that easily,” she said. “Nice to be back in the squad and back in the team as well. Obviously, just making an impact with the new ball is what I was brought in to do. So it was nice to be able to do that and just feel good behind the ball again.”

Schutt remains Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs and claimed five wickets in six matches at last year’s World Cup in India. Ahead of that tournament, she had made it clear she did not envision extending her ODI career for another cycle.

“I’ve no intentions on hanging around for another four years,” she had said at the time. “Being able to have the chance to finish an ODI World Cup in India when that’s where I’ve kind of started my career is really cool.”

Her role in the T20I format has also come under scrutiny. Schutt did not feature in any of the three T20 internationals against India, with team management opting for additional pace in their bowling attack ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in England. Whether she regains her place for next month’s tour of the West Indies remains uncertain.

“Extra pace was the main one against the Indian side,” Schutt explained. “And I understand. It’s obviously disappointing sitting on the sidelines, but it’s part of the job that you do. You’ve still got to really support your team and run the drinks well and try not to be too sour about it.

“I had my moments with the coaching staff when I was told, but apart from that you crack on. It’s part of the job. And you’ve just got to take the chance when it comes.”

Also joining the ODI squad is 19-year-old left-arm quick Lucy Hamilton, who recently earned a call-up for the Test in Perth. Schutt praised the teenager’s maturity and work ethic, highlighting the promise of the next generation.

“She’s a good kid,” Schutt said. “She’s just got her head screwed on and I think when I was that age, I definitely did not. That’s probably the difference of the next generation coming through is they’ve got the work ethic, they’ve got the talent, but they’ve got the perspective too, which is really nice. And, obviously, the X-factor of the left-armer coming into the squad is really awesome.”

For now, Schutt’s international future may be uncertain, but her impact on this series has served as a timely reminder of her enduring value to Australia’s bowling attack.