Jackson Coote, the side’s original vice-captain, led Orange in its victory over Cowra and its loss to Bathurst the week before in place of the unavailable Matt Findlay, and will take the reins for the remainder of the Bluebaggers’ season.

“It’s a bit overwhelming actually. Standing in is one thing, but captaining Orange is a pretty big honour,” Coote said.

“I didn’t see it coming at all, and I think Finny (Findlay) suggested it actually. It hasn’t really sunk in I guess, there is a lot of pride in Orange cricket’s past and a lot of pretty incredible cricketers have been in the position I’m in now.

“Hopefully I can help continue bringing some pride back to the cap. Finny has done a lot for this side over the last season or two, and he’ll still be beside me as vice-captain, and a big part of the way I captain the side.”

Findlay said Coote continuing to lead will benefit the team more than him coming back in to the leadership role after missing the last two games through work commitments.

“Coote has proven himself a wonderful skipper, and chopping and changing won’t do us any favours,” Findlay said.

“It’s about what’s best for the team so I’m happy to step back, I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Coote.”

Orange takes on Mudgee on Sunday, at Mudgee’s Victoria Park, in its final Western Premier League (WPL) game, which doubles as the final round of the President’s Cup.

Both sides suffered losses to Blue Mountains and Bathurst at the President’s Cup carnival two weekends ago, and neither team can make the WPL semi-finals as a result.

“The win over Cowra has given us a lot of confidence as a side,” Coote said.

“I don’t want to change much at all leading into this game, we just need to stay aggressive and enthusiastic. Mudgee are a good side, so we’ll be up against it.”