Michael becomes fourth-generation Snedden in first-class cricket

[Torrent Disney]

Tuesday was special for the Snedden family as Michael Snedden, the 27-year-old medium-fast bowler, became the latest from the family to play first-class cricket - he is the first fourth-generation cricketer in New Zealand's first-class history.

Michael follows in the footsteps of his father, 1980s New Zealand international Martin Snedden, grandfather Warwick Snedden, and great-grandfather Nessie Snedden to play first-class cricket.

While Martin played 25 Tests and 93 ODIs between 1980 and 1990, Nessie captained the country in several representative matches against overseas sides, but his career finished before New Zealand were granted Test status.

Overall, Michael is the sixth cricketer from the Snedden family to play first-class cricket, which also includes Nessie's cousin Colin, who had a decade-long career with Auckland in the 1930s and 1940s, and Cyril, who played in 1920-21.

Injuries to frontline seamers Hamish Bennett and Ollie Newton paved the way for Michael's first-class debut for Wellington Firebirds in their second round Plunket Shield clash against Canterbury at Basin Reserve, which started on Tuesday.

Michael spent his first day as a first-class cricketer in the dressing room as Wellington racked up 415 for 6 on the opening day of their second-round match against Canterbury.

Michael made his List A debut for Auckland Aces during the Ford Trophy last year, but featured in just two matches that yielded three wickets. In his only innings with the bat, he made an unbeaten 18. He switched teams ahead of the 2019-20 season.

Michael's first taste of days' cricket came in 2014, when he was picked for a tour game against the visiting Sri Lankans. It was a game in which he bowled only six overs before dislocating his shoulder. He was part of a strong New Zealand XI that played Sri Lanka again in a three-day game last year.