Fabian Cowdrey says he has done his best to forget the illustrious family name on his rise to the Kent first team and hopes to earn respect through efforts on the field in the same way that they did.

The 20-year-old’s dad, Chris, and late grandfather, Colin, captained both Kent and England and when his uncle, Graham, retired after 14 years of Kent duty at the end of the 1998 season, more than 40 years of the Cowdrey-dynasty had been chalked up at the club.

Colin captained Kent for 14 years until 1971, playing more than 100 Tests for England during that time, 27 as captain. Chris played almost 300 first-class games for Kent in the 15 years to 1992 and also won six Test caps, captaining England against the West Indies in 1988.

All-rounder Fabian’s selection for the Spitfires side which took on the touring New Zealanders at Canterbury on Saturday began a new chapter of the story, giving him his first taste of List A action following a handful of appearances in University games since he signed as a professional following the 2011 season.

Cowdrey hit a late 21 not out, including a six and a four, and bowled two wicketless overs of slow left-arm spin.

He said: “It was a great experience. I didn’t expect to make my List A debut against an international outfit. I couldn’t have asked for more.

“I was shaking when I walked out to bat but that was more to do with the conditions – it was so cold. I found out a couple of days before that I’d be playing, so I was excited but a bit nervous before the game.”

Cowdrey – who had scored more than 300 runs for Kent 2nds in the month before the game – added: “My dad and uncle rang me after and told me I’d made a good start and that I should keep going and keep performing.

“I have to try and forget about the name and to be honest, I have done that. They earned respect in their own right and I have to do the same. I am not there for them or my grandad, though. I want to earn a place on my own merit.”