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Murray to play in Davis Cup tie against USA

Murray will lead the line for Great Britain in San Diego © Getty Images

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Andy Murray has fully committed to Great Britain's cause ahead of next week's Davis Cup clash against the United States, even though it begins just five days after a potential appearance in the Australian Open final.

The Wimbledon champion has struggled with injuries since his summer triumph at SW19 but has looked in better shape in Melbourne, and has made himself available to play both singles and doubles in Great Britain's first World Group match since 2008 following promotion last year.

He will join Kyle Edmund, James Ward and Colin Fleming in the squad, though his progression at the Australian Open may well determine his doubles participation.

British captain Leon Smith, who has called on Dom Inglot to travel as a reserve in case Murray decides not to partner Fleming as planned, admits he is excited for the challenge ahead of the team.

"We're relishing the opportunity to compete in the world group once again, and I'm delighted that Andy is able to play in the tie," Smith said.

"This will be a huge step up for us against what will be a very strong US team. I've had to take into account a number of factors with regards to team selection, including the surface we'll play on, and we'll now spend the next week making sure the team are prepared in the best possible way to give us our best chance of getting the win."

A notable omission from the team is Dan Evans, who played a key role in Great Britain's victories over Russia and Croatia last year, as he has failed to build on the improvement which saw him reach the third round of the US Open last summer.

But Smith believes 19-year-old Edmund, can use his selection to prove why he is such a highly-rated prospect.

"Kyle has shown real flashes of potential in the past 18 months and has shown that he can play on clay," Smith said.

"I think he can really push on this year. I'm keeping an open mind about the singles, and James also has a chance to push his case."

Jim Courier, US team captain, has announced his team as John Isner, Sam Querrey and doubles specialists Bob and Mike Bryan to face Great Britain.

The best-of-five match series will be played on a temporary clay court in Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres baseball team, between January 21 and February 2.

Great Britain defeated Croatia last year to return to the World Group © Getty Images

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