Steven David Snell is a former English cricket player who made a significant impact not only as a player but also as a coach. Born on August 3, 1981, Snell spent his early years developing his skills through the Hampshire cricket system. He made his debut for Gloucestershire in 2005, where he showcased his talent as a keeper batsman.
Snell had his fair share of competition for a spot in the team, as he found himself competing against renowned players like Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter. Despite this challenge, Snell managed to make some memorable contributions to the game. In his debut match against Bangladesh, he fell just short of a century, scoring an impressive 83 runs before running out of partners. This performance put him on the radar and highlighted his potential as a player.
However, Snell struggled to find consistent opportunities and had an up-and-down career. In 2008, he had a standout season, scoring his only first-class century against Worcestershire and notching up eight half-centuries in the same competition. Unfortunately, he was unable to maintain this level of performance and was released by Gloucestershire with a year remaining on his contract in 2010.
While still pursuing his playing career, Snell had already set his sights on coaching. He completed his Level Four coaching qualification at a young age and began coaching academy players at Gloucestershire. He also had the opportunity to serve as the head coach for The Hong Kong CC during the winter of 2006-2007. Snell’s passion for coaching continued to grow, eventually leading him to take on coaching roles at different levels.
During the summer of 2011, Snell served as the first team coach at Millfield School. He also joined the BBC’s county commentary team, expanding his knowledge and honing his skills as a cricket analyst. Despite his coaching commitments, Snell remained active on the field and was called up by Somerset in 2011 to help the team in the absence of Buttler and Kieswetter, who were on national duty. His inclusion in the squad led to an opportunity to compete in the Champions League tournament in India, where Somerset achieved notable victories, including one against Kolkata Knight Riders.
As Snell continued to push for further playing opportunities, they became scarce. Determined to make a lasting impact on the game, he transitioned into coaching full-time. He worked with the England Physical Disability side and ICC Europe, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring players. Additionally, Snell took on the role of part-time wicketkeeping coach at Gloucestershire, working closely with James Bracey and other talented cricketers.
In 2014, Snell’s coaching journey reached a significant milestone when he was appointed as the Somerset Academy Director and second team coach. In this role, he played a crucial part in developing promising talents like Dom Bess, Tom Banton, and Tom Lammonby. Somerset consistently produced a higher number of players reaching the professional ranks under Snell’s guidance, with more than two-thirds of academy graduates earning professional contracts between 2016 and 2019. This remarkable feat earned him the opportunity to work as a consultant coach for the England Young Lions program during tours of India and summer tri-series events against India and Bangladesh U19s.
Throughout his career, Snell displayed a remarkable dedication to the game of cricket. Although he may not have achieved the same level of recognition as some of his contemporaries, his valuable contributions as a player and coach have left an indelible mark on the sport. As he continues to shape the future generation of cricketers, Steven David Snell’s passion and expertise will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the cricketing world.