2005 Mar 05 - Davis Cup: Murray & Sherwood win

Great Britain hold a 2-1 lead against Israel in the Euro/Africa zone Davis Cup tie after an epic performance by Andrew Murray and David Sherwood in the doubles rubber to defeat Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 6-4 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(5).

Jeremy Bates (Great Britain captain) took a chance by not installing Greg Rusedski in the doubles but his decision has paid off in terms of showing the potential the young guns have. He told BBC Sport:

"The point is we've got to look to the future, and I wanted to keep Greg fresh for the reverse singles on Sunday.

"We're now in a position of strength."

Despite being a debut for both the British players, it was reigning US Open boys champion Andrew Murray who was the main focus of attention. And he didn't disappoint - his faultless performance led to the closing out of the first set.

They pressed the Israeli pair in the second set and broke them twice before being pegged back and forced into a tie-break. With break-points down at 4-1 the set looked to be slipping but the British duo turned it around to take the second set.

The highs of the first two sets disappeared as it was the Israeli pair who pressed on and went up two breaks of serve before claiming the third set.

Unfortunately, the forth started the same way as the third for the British pair and they seemed to be heading for a meltdown. They were broken twice, but then rallied to break back twice and force a tie-break. Just as in the second set the breaker was very tentative, but it was the British pair came through to claim an outstanding victory.

Jeremy added:

"I've never been involved in a match like that, either on or off the court.

"In terms of my Davis Cup experiences, it beats them all. For two guys making their Davis Cup debuts they were inspirational doubles players out there."

Afther the match, Andrew praised his partner David Sherwood for his performance today and showed great modesty in putting David forward as the man to play in the final singles rubber (should it come to that) tomorrow. He said:

"If it goes down to the wire I'd love to play, as would any of the guys, but I think David deserves the spot having played so well today."

Great Britain are now leading Israel 2-1 and need only win one of the last two rubbers tomorrow to win the tie.