Megan Schutt Keeps Door Open for Women's T20 Champions Trophy 2027 Despite Uncertain Future

Megan Schutt has not ruled out playing in next year’s T20 Champions Trophy, leaving the decision to Australia’s selectors. She had said the T20 World Cup in England in June would be her final ICC tournament. However, the six-team Champions Trophy has moved five months earlier, from June 2027 to February, to make room for an Olympic qualifying tournament.

“I don’t know, to be honest,” she said. “I think that getting dragged back earlier has thrown things a little bit, I won’t lie – but (selection’s) not really up to me.” At Brisbane’s Allan Border Field, she took 2-19 from 10 overs during Friday’s opening ODI against Bangladesh.

Schutt played one match during Australia’s unbeaten T20 World Cup campaign in England. Lucy Hamilton’s rise left the left-arm bowler out of the XI after the group game against Bangladesh. The Champions Trophy will be held in India, where fast-bowling places in the 15-player squad will be fiercely contested. Darcie Brown, a surprise omission from this year’s World Cup, and returning Tayla Vlaeminck are also in contention.

Schutt, Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker across formats, has taken 311 wickets in 242 matches. “Not being in the XI throughout the World Cup, that’s maybe signs for the T20 game ahead,” she said. “Who knows – if I’m in the mix, that’ll be great. If I’m not, so be it. I’d equally just like to watch us win from home. I think I’ve got to the age now that I’ve just accepted all that’s out of my control.”

Schutt became the third Australian woman to take 150 ODI wickets, joining Cathryn Fitzpatrick (180) and teammate Ellyse Perry (166). She has 20 wickets in 12 ODIs at Allan Border Field, more than any other woman. Earlier this year, she took a career-best 5-19 against India there after missing the 50-over squad and returning following Kim Garth’s injury.

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“I’m not one for milestones and I didn’t know that was coming, so that was cool,” Schutt said. “It makes me feel extra old, if I’m honest. At the end of the day, it’s a number (but) it sounds really good when it’s announced for the crowd and stuff. Hopefully I’ve got a few more in the bag still.”

Australia ODI squad:

Tahlia McGrath (C), Ashleigh Gardner (VC), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

Bangladesh ODI squad:

Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akter, Sanjida Akther, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Farzana Haque, Disha Biswas, Murshida Khatun, Habiba Islam.

Australia vs Bangladesh ODI schedule:

First ODI – Australia won by seven wickets

Second ODI – Sunday, October 11 (day/night)

Third ODI – Wednesday, October 14 (day/night)

All matches are at Allan Border Field, Brisbane, starting at 1:50pm local time.

Australia T20I squad:

Sophie Molineux (C), Ashleigh Gardner (VC), Tahlia McGrath (VC), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham

New Zealand T20I squad:

Melie Kerr (C), Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (WK), Bella James, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp