US Open finalist Andy Murray will join the British Davis Cup team at Wimbledon next week as they take on Austria in an attempt to avoid elimination from the World Group in the Davis Cup playoffs.

Murray was absent when Britain took on Argentina earlier this year, citing injury concerns as his reason for skipping the crucial clay court encounter against a powerful Argentinean team. Britain subsequently lost to Argentina, ending their hopes of claiming a Davis Cup title in 2008.

Murray, who had been planning to take a break before heading off for the final four tournaments on his season schedule, belatedly agreed to play for the British team against an Austrian team featuring danger-men Jurgen Melzer and Stefan Koubek.

If Britain lose against Austria in the Davis Cup playoff next week they will be relegated to Europe/Africa Zone for 2008. A win would be sufficient to secure the British team participation in the elite World Group in 2009.

The two teams will meet on Wimbledon’s center court on the 19th of September. The Davis Cup tie is likely to be Murray’s last appearance in a British tournament until next season’s Queen’s Club tournament.