The Rebels come up against Cobden in their South West Cricket (SWC) one-day encounter, which starts at 2pm and is scheduled to end at 8pm.

Brown is one of the competition’s most experienced leaders and, while the 31-year-old is excited about leading a team made up predominantly of talented youngsters, he is also wary of the pitfalls that come with it.

“Our best 11 is a very young team and they are great to coach as they are always willing to learn,” Brown said.

“But the disadvantage of a young team is the inconsistency that comes with it. We have lost games we should have won.

“Going by positions on the ladder, this is a game we should win and we are confident we can win, but we have to be switched on and ready to play or we won’t win.”

While Cobden is eighth on the ladder, the Heytesbury Rebels are fifth but have their eye on a place in the top four.

If, as expected, third-placed Noorat beats fourth-placed Simpson today, the Rebels only need to win to rise into the top bracket.

Brown said the team had spoken about the importance of this encounter.

“Normally we wouldn’t talk about ladder positions but we have had a chat about it this week because it would have us well placed to get into the top four before Christmas and wins in the first half of the season are so important,” he said. 

“Our bowling has been our strength, but we need to bat well to give ourselves a chance.

“We will need 180-plus to win.”

The twilight fixture will present some challenges for players, with the use of an orange ball the biggest difference.

The orange ball is likely to soften quicker than usual, making the early going with both bat and ball important.

Brown said the Rebels would be looking for a bright start to their innings when it is their turn to bat.

“Simon Harkness and Jeff Rosolin have been really good this season opening the innings and getting us off to a good start,” he said.

“The key to 50-over games is not losing early wickets. 

“It really sets you up for a good score.”