In the annals of women’s cricket, few names resonate with the same tenacity and skill as Megan Schutt. Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Schutt’s journey in cricket transcends the boundaries of the pitch, making her an emblematic figure in both the sport and social advocacy. Known for her precision and prowess as a right-arm fast-medium bowler, Schutt has consistently defied expectations, swinging her way into the record books with remarkable feats. Her story is not just one of athletic triumph but also a testament to her role as a trailblazer for equality in sports, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and embodying the spirit of inclusivity. This article delves into the life and career of Megan Schutt, exploring her meteoric rise in international cricket, her distinctive playing style, and her impactful contributions beyond the crease.
Megan Schutt Batting Career Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTests | 4 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 11 | 12.00 | 31 | 38.70 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| WODIs | 85 | 26 | 12 | 104 | 18 | 7.42 | 161 | 64.59 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
| WT20Is | 102 | 14 | 7 | 28 | 8* | 4.00 | 33 | 84.84 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTests | 4 | 7 | 532 | 181 | 9 | 4/26 | 6/41 | 20.11 | 2.04 | 59.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| WODIs | 85 | 85 | 3959 | 2791 | 115 | 4/18 | 4/18 | 24.26 | 4.22 | 34.4 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| WT20Is | 102 | 101 | 2055 | 2165 | 130 | 5/15 | 5/15 | 16.65 | 6.32 | 15.8 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs England 11.08.2013
Last Test vs England 18.07.2019
ODI debut vs New Zealand 17.12.2012
Last ODI vs West Indies 14.10.2023
T20 debut vs New Zealand 22.01.2013
Last T20 vs South Africa 26.02.2023
Biography
Megan Schutt’s journey to becoming a celebrated cricketer began in Adelaide, where she was born into a family she fondly remembers as loving. Her parents, Brian and Sue, played a significant role in her life. Megan often remarks on her resemblance to her father, attributing her athletic talents to him, despite his modest claims about his own sporting abilities.
Growing up in Hackham West, a suburb of Adelaide, Megan shared her childhood with her older sister Natalie and younger brother Warren. The Schutt household, described as modest, was a nurturing environment for the siblings. Megan’s schooling years were split between Hackham West Primary School and Wirreanda Secondary School. While she was a good student, Megan admits to occasionally playing truant.
Her cricket journey began in the streets of Hackham West, where children frequently played the game. At 11 years old, a pivotal moment came when Megan was asked to substitute in a Seaford club match. Her debut was memorable: she got out on the first ball she faced but also took a wicket with her very first ball in bowling. This performance caught the eye of a talent scout, leading to her joining a new girls’ team. Her cricketing prowess continued to shine, leading to a recruitment by the Flinders University Cricket Club. By 13, Megan was playing for Sturt, alongside notable players like Shelley Nitschke.
Megan’s talent propelled her through South Australia’s state cricket pathway, participating in under-15, under-17, and under-19 teams. Despite her natural flair for cricket, her passion for the sport developed gradually. At 16, she explored boundary umpiring in Australian rules football and even played football at the junior level for a brief period. However, cricket remained her true calling. Megan reflects on her early career, acknowledging her initial lack of appreciation for the sport. It wasn’t until she was 19 that she fully realized the privilege and joy of playing cricket.
In 2021, writing for The Guardian, Megan shared insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. She contemplated the issue of equality in sports and reflected on her experiences as a young female athlete. Megan recalled being the only girl playing sports at her school and growing up with the misconception that women’s cricket pathways were on par with men’s, a belief she later realized was far from the truth.
Career Way
Megan Schutt, a right-arm fast-medium bowler, embarked on her international cricket journey against New Zealand. Her debut saw her conceding 33 runs in five overs, a challenging start. However, she quickly adapted, claiming two wickets in her subsequent match against the same team. ESPNcricinfo, in their 2012 review of women’s cricket, highlighted her as a player to watch the following year. Her potential was recognized, leading to her selection for the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup. ESPNcricinfo’s Jenny Roesler suggested her inclusion was due to a shortage of bowlers in the Australian team.
World Cup Triumphs and Rising Stardom
- In the World Cup, Schutt was a key player in all seven matches of Australia, clinching 15 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.13.
- She managed to take at least one wicket in every match, leading the tournament in wickets.
- The Daily Telegraph remarked on her rapid ascent from club cricket to being the World Cup’s leading bowler, attributing part of her success to the humid conditions in India, which favored her swing bowling style.
- In the World Cup final against the West Indies, Schutt opened the bowling for Australia, contributing significantly to their victory by taking two wickets.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
- June 2015: Named in Australia’s squad for the Women’s Ashes in England.
- December 2017: Included in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.
- March 2018: Became the first Australian woman to take a hat-trick in WT20Is during the India women’s Tri-Nation Series.
- April 2018: Awarded a national contract by Cricket Australia for the 2018–19 season.
- June 2018: Appointed captain of the South Australian Scorpions.
Continued Excellence and Record-Breaking Performances
- October 2018: Selected for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
- November 2018: Joined the Adelaide Strikers for the Women’s Big Bash League season.
- June 2019: Named in Australia’s team for the Women’s Ashes in England.
- September 2019: Became the first Australian and first female bowler to take two international hat-tricks.
- January 2020: Led as the top wicket-taker in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Recent Career Highlights
- January 2022: Selected for the Women’s Ashes series against England and for the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
- February 2022: Achieved her 100th wicket in WODI cricket during the Women’s Ashes.
- April 2022: Joined the London Spirit for The Hundred season.
- May 2022: Named in Australia’s team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games cricket tournament.
- July 2022: Reached her 100th wicket milestone in WT20I cricket during the Ireland women’s Tri-Nation Series.
Play Style and Bowling Speed
Megan Schutt, known for her expertise as a right-arm fast-medium bowler, made a significant mark in international cricket with her debut against New Zealand. Her playing style is characterized by a blend of accuracy and pace, which has been integral to her success and quick ascension in the cricketing world.
Schutt’s bowling is particularly noted for her ability to swing the ball. This skill was especially advantageous during the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, where the humid conditions favored her swing bowling style. Her ability to adapt to different conditions and utilize her swinging capabilities has been a key factor in her becoming one of the leading bowlers in women’s cricket.
Despite extensive searches, specific details regarding her exact bowling speed were not found. However, her classification as a fast-medium bowler suggests a speed range that is typical for this style of bowling. Fast-medium bowlers generally deliver the ball at speeds ranging from the high 120s to mid-130 km/h. Given Schutt’s success and reputation in international cricket, it’s likely that her bowling speed falls within or close to this range.
Megan Schutt - She Has a Husband or Wife?
Megan Schutt, affectionately known as “Shooter” in the cricketing world, has not only made strides on the field but has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In a significant personal milestone, she openly embraced her identity as a lesbian. Her journey of love and commitment culminated in marrying her long-term partner, Jess Holyoake, in 2019. This union was more than a personal celebration; it was a symbol of progress, especially since Schutt had been an early supporter of same-sex marriage in Australia.
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Love
- Schutt’s marriage to Holyoake was a moment of both personal joy and public advocacy.
- She has spoken candidly about the comfort and affirmation that comes from being able to refer to Holyoake as her wife, rather than partner.
- Schutt’s openness about her relationship and marital status has been a step towards normalizing same-sex relationships, especially in sports.
A New Chapter in Personal Life
- In May 2021, Schutt and Holyoake shared the joyous news that they were expecting their first child.
- This announcement marked a new beginning in their lives, adding a layer of family dynamics to Schutt’s multifaceted life as an international cricketer and a role model for inclusivity.
Schutt’s life story, both on and off the cricket field, is a testament to her resilience, talent, and commitment to personal authenticity. Her journey resonates with many, not just for her sporting achievements but also for her role in championing inclusivity and diversity in sports.
Conclusion
As we reflect on Megan Schutt’s illustrious career, it’s evident that her impact extends far beyond the cricket field. Schutt’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, skill, and groundbreaking achievements. Her rise from the suburban streets of Adelaide to the pinnacle of international cricket epitomizes the quintessential sports success story. However, what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to championing inclusivity and equality, both within and outside the realm of sports. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her openness about her personal life have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly in a domain where such topics have historically been underrepresented.
In essence, Megan Schutt is not just a cricketer; she is a symbol of change and progress. Her legacy is defined by her exceptional bowling feats, marked by a unique blend of speed, accuracy, and swing, as well as her courage to stand up for what she believes in. As her story continues to unfold, Megan Schutt remains a role model for aspiring athletes and a reminder that the true spirit of sportsmanship encompasses not only skill and dedication on the field but also integrity and advocacy off it. Her journey is a powerful narrative of breaking barriers and redefining norms, making her one of the most influential figures in modern cricket.