Megan Schutt, born on 15th January 1993, is an Australian cricketer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Renowned for her fast-medium bowling, Schutt’s journey in the world of cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Early Life and Education
Megan Schutt was born in Adelaide into a loving family, where her parents, Brian and Sue, provided a nurturing environment. Schutt attributes her sporting genes to her father, describing herself as “99 per cent my dad.” Growing up in Hackham West, a southern suburb of Adelaide, alongside her older sister Natalie and younger brother Warren, Megan attended Hackham West Primary School and later Wirreanda Secondary School. She excelled academically but didn’t shy away from a bit of mischief.
In the streets of Hackham West, where cricket was a common sight, Megan Schutt discovered her passion for the game. At the age of 11, she filled in for a player in a Seaford club match and made an instant impact, taking a wicket with her very first ball. Spotted by a talent scout, she joined a new girls’ team, and her cricketing journey gained momentum. Eventually, she was recruited by the Flinders University Cricket Club. At 13, she moved to Sturt, where her teammates included the legendary Shelley Nitschke.
Schutt’s journey through South Australia’s state pathway, representing under-15, under-17, and under-19 teams, was marked by her undeniable talent. However, her deep love for cricket took time to develop fully. At 16, she even explored Australian rules football briefly but eventually returned to cricket. It wasn’t until the age of 19 that she truly fell in love with the game, appreciating the sport’s simplicity and complexity simultaneously.
An Exceptional Career
Megan Schutt, a right-arm fast-medium bowler, made her international debut against New Zealand. While her initial performance was a bit expensive, she quickly found her groove, collecting two wickets in her next match. ESPNcricinfo recognized her as a player to watch in 2012, highlighting her potential.
Her rapid rise continued as she was selected for Australia’s squad in the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Schutt’s performances during the tournament were exceptional. She featured in all seven of Australia’s matches, claiming 15 wickets with an economy rate of 4.13. Her 15 wickets were the most by any bowler in the tournament, showcasing her prowess on the world stage.
One of the highlights of her career came during the 2017–18 India Women’s Tri-Nation Series when Megan Schutt became the first bowler for Australia Women to take a hat-trick in Women’s Twenty20 Internationals (WT20Is). This remarkable feat solidified her status as a bowling sensation.
In June 2018, Schutt assumed the captaincy of the South Australian Scorpions, a testament to her leadership qualities. Her career has been studded with notable achievements, including being named in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year in December 2017.
Megan Schutt’s incredible journey continued with her selection in Australia’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies. Ahead of the tournament, she was earmarked as one of the players to watch.
Schutt’s contributions extended to domestic cricket as well, where she played for the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her consistency and skill were rewarded with a national contract for the 2018–19 season by Cricket Australia.
The pinnacle of her career came during the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia. Megan Schutt finished as the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets in the tournament, a performance that included a remarkable 4/18 in the final, where Australia emerged victorious.
A Personal Journey
Beyond her cricketing achievements, Megan Schutt is known by the nickname “Shooter.” She came out as lesbian and married her long-term partner, Jess Holyoake, in 2019. A strong advocate for same-sex marriage in Australia, Schutt appreciates the significance of using the term “wife” openly, acknowledging the changing societal norms.
In May 2021, Megan Schutt announced that her wife, Jess Holyoake, was expecting their first child, marking another significant milestone in her personal life.
Megan Schutt’s journey from the suburban streets of Adelaide to becoming a world-class fast-medium bowler is an inspiration to cricket enthusiasts and a testament to her dedication, talent, and leadership. As she continues to shine in international and domestic cricket, she remains a role model for aspiring cricketers and an advocate for inclusivity and equality in sport.
