Inherit Time Machine Backups

Hello all,

Today I decided to do a fresh install on my mac which included doing a wipe of my internal SSD partition for my mac (Also have a bootcamp partition). Previously had time-machine in use on my prior install using a 1TB Sandisk SSD external (USB-C). Once I got signed in / set up the new install I was able to select my external SSD again as a time-machine back-up location, however I want to recover some files that I had in my prior install but when I enter time machine I am unable to access these states / images. I can see them on the side with the tick-marks (not sure I'm explaining that quite right), but when I attempt to click on them I can't access anything.

I think this is possibly related to needing to 'inherit' these backups but I have followed a couple of guides to try to get this right using Terminal but can't seem to get it.

Anyone have any ways to make sure this works? I used the following command in terminal:

sudo tmutil associatedisk -a /

And drag-and-dropped the prior backup:

Tried dropping in Macintosh HD into the path above in terminal which was the update prior to me wiping the internal SSD partition, entered my password and granted appropriate read/write permissions to Terminal to make sure it works but still no dice.

Was hoping to get some more advice - any is much appreciated. Thank you!