LIVE coverage on BBC TV Sunday: BBC 2 from 1000

Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman trailed Julian Knowle and Alexander Peya 4-6 6-1 2-6 when play was stopped.

Earlier, Britain made a disastrous start when Tim Henman lost 6-3 6-3 6-1 to Stefan Koubek, before Rusedski beat Melzer 3-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

The doubles resumes at 1000 BST on Sunday, followed by two singles.

Photos from Portschach

Rusedski was the hero of the first day for Britain as he recovered from a set down to beat Melzer in the second singles, which followed Henman's shock defeat.

"I knew I was hitting the ball well but I was missing a few shots," said Rusedski after his victory.

"Even when I was a break down in the fourth set I knew I could come back."

It was a lot easier than I thought Stefan Koubek

GB captain Jeremy Bates said: "I think that was one of the most inspired performances Greg has ever had on a clay court. That was just courage out there.

"He had a hell of a journey to get here at the weekend, he's only had five days to acclimatise from the American hard courts and with the pressure on him to perform with us 1-0 down, that was a great effort."

The win was vital after Henman's disappointing performance in the opening rubber.

"Stefan played okay but I definitely contributed to that," admitted Henman.

"If you give your opponent that kind of lead you are going to make life pretty difficult for yourself."

Koubek said: "It was a lot easier than I thought but I was hoping Tim would have trouble on these deep, slow courts.

"He made a lot of mistakes and obviously it wasn't his best tennis. But I knew I had to play like I did to beat him."

No play was possible on Friday due to heavy rain, giving Henman and Koubek an early start on Saturday as organisers looked to get both singles and the doubles played.