Michael Rae is a New Zealand fast bowler whose rise through the domestic ranks has been built on early ambition, physical presence, and sustained performance. A product of Kaikorai Primary School, Rae began playing cricket around the age of 10 and set his sights early on pursuing the sport as a full-time career.

Shortly after leaving school, Rae joined North East Valley Cricket Club, making an immediate impact at senior level by claiming 12 wickets in his first stint with the side. His progress through club and age-group cricket translated quickly to higher honours. Blessed with a powerful build and a distinctive, high-energy bowling action, Rae made his first-class debut for Otago during the 2014/15 season. Over time, he developed into a key member of the Otago Volts’ bowling unit.

Across a nine-year association with Otago, Rae produced several standout achievements. He became enjoyed a strong 2022/23 season, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Super Smash and sharing top honours in the Ford Trophy. Those performances earned him the Otago Volts Men’s Bowler of the Year award. Ahead of the following domestic season, Rae made the move to Canterbury, where he continued to put in the hard yards on the domestic circuit. His consistency was rewarded in late 2023 when he toured Australia with the New Zealand A side.

Despite his sustained performances, Rae remained well down the list of fast-bowling options for national selection. However, circumstances shifted in 2025 when injuries to New Zealand’s frontline seamers, along with fitness concerns for others in contention, opened the door unexpectedly. Rae was subsequently handed a surprise call-up for the second Test against the West Indies, and the tall seamer, sporting his trademark headband, made an immediate impact. Rising to the occasion, he claimed three wickets in each innings and played a key role in New Zealand’s commanding victory in Wellington.