Great Britain handed Lithuania trip

Great Britain will travel to Lithuania in their first match back in Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II next March.

Defeat by Poland last weekend relegated John Lloyd's team to the third tier of the competition for the first time since a two-year spell in the mid 90s and only the second time ever.

And today's draw paired Britain with minnows Lithuania, with the home country decided by drawing lots because the two nations have not met before.

The away draw may make Andy Murray's participation less likely, with the British number one and captain Lloyd indicating after the Poland loss it could be time for other players to step up.

Teenager Dan Evans was given the second singles spot in Liverpool and, although he failed to win a set, Lloyd sees the 19-year-old as a key part of his squad.

British number two James Ward, who missed out with illness, Josh Goodall, Chris Eaton and doubles specialists Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski are also likely to be in contention.

Lloyd said: "Playing in Group II will give some of our younger players the opportunity to perform on the international stage and gain valuable experience at that level.

"They will learn to play in that environment and they will learn to win. The team are now looking forward to moving up the groups."

Lithuania's leading player is 19-year-old Ricardas Berankis, who is down at 432 in the rankings but was the world's top junior in 2007.

Laurynas Grigelis and Gvidas Sabeckis are also ranked in the top 700 while 17-year-old Dovydas Sakinis is the only other Lithuanian in the ATP rankings.

The tie will take place on the weekend of March 5-7, with the winners facing either Ireland or Turkey and the losers condemned to a relegation play-off to avoid dropping into Group III.