Illingworth, who is just 13, will get her chance to take a step forward in her promising career in the Rebels' one-day match against Cobden. 

"I thought we would give her an opportunity to play after she returned from the national championships (with Vic Country)," Heytesbury coach Paul Vogels said. 

"We always like to try and introduce junior players into senior ranks, like we have for most of the season, and I think she will do well." 

Illingworth finished the under 15 National Championships in Canberra last week with one wicket and 36 runs to her name in eight games. Her sole wicket came in the grand final against Vic Country's Metro counterparts.

Vogels said he would try to utilise the teenager's ever-improving skills against the Knights.

"We will play her more as bowler," he said. 

"She has got good pace for her age and we are going to look to utalise her at the right time."

The first-year coach said it was an exciting time for his new senior player and the club.

"She was really excited and she doesn't back down from much and I expect her to take it stride," he said of the moment he told Illingworth she would debut.

"It’s a stepping stone for where she is going to end up eventually. The boys are excited for her and to play with her and it’s a good thing for the club."

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