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Not long ago, Jeremy Bates' role as Davis Cup captain appeared to involve not much more than writing 'G Rusedski' and 'T Henman' on his team-sheet before handing out the drinks at the change of ends.
Against Switzerland, Bates' role could be the most crucial of all if Britain are to upset a Roger Federer-led Switzerland and win a place in the World Group next year.
When the draw was made in May, Britain's hopes of victory looked slim against a side welcoming back Federer after his decision to miss Switzerland's first-round defeat.
Britain, meanwhile, were relying heavily on an ageing Rusedski following Henman's retirement from the competition.
But Rusedski's form over the summer and the emergence of Andy Murray as a world-class player means Britain are now quietly confident of causing an upset.
Even Federer admitted: "When the draw was made I was very confident, but now that confidence is more measured."
However, Bates will be called upon to make some difficult, but potentially decisive, calls if Britain are to upset the odds.
Should Murray face Federer? Murray is justifiably upset that his fitness was criticised after Wimbledon, when he suffered from cramp and fatigue in his five-set defeat to David Nalbandian.
Those critics tended to ignore that it was only his third five-set match, his seventh in all at the top level, and the likes of Michael Chang and Andy Roddick suffered similar problems during the early stages of their careers.
| SOLUTION ONE Federer v Mackin Wawrinka v Rusedski Federer/Allegro v Sherwood/Murray Rusedski v Federer Murray v Wawrinka |
But playing two five-set singles matches and also the doubles over three days is a gruelling task for any player, let alone for an 18-year-old still developing his reserves of strength and fitness. It is a sign of Murray's competitive qualities that he is desperate to test himself against the world's best player but Bates could make him wait for that opportunity.
The skipper has the option of leaving him out of the opening day's singles, when he would face the Swiss number one, and then recalling him for the reverse singles against Switzerland's number two on Sunday.
Should Sherwood play? Sherwood made a dream debut for Britain against Israel in March, teaming up with Murray to clinch a surprise doubles win for Bates' side.
| SOLUTION TWO Federer v Mackin Wawrinka v Rusedski Federer/Allegro v Rusedski/Murray Rusedski v Federer Murray v Wawrinka |
It also meant Rusedski was able to take a day off between his two singles matches, a luxury he never enjoyed when he and Henman carried the workload between the two of them. But with Rusedski apparently fitter than ever, Bates could opt to pair the 32-year-old and Murray to take on the likely Swiss pairing of Federer and Yves Allegro.
It might leave Rusedski with a hectic three days, but if Britain do not win the doubles, they will have to win at least one of their singles matches against Federer.
Should Britain go on the attack? Dropping Murray for the opening day's singles might seem like common sense, but it gives Switzerland an immediate mental lift and could have the opposite effect on the young Scot.
| SOLUTION THREE Federer v Murray Wawrinka v Rusedski Federer/Allegro v Rusedski/Murray Rusedski v Federer Murray v Wawrinka |
By throwing Alan Mackin or Sherwood in against Federer, Bates is effectively admitting that he does not really believe Murray can beat the world number one. After all, if he did, he would unleash Murray against Federer in the hope that Britain ended day one needing only one more win to seal victory.
Murray does not need added pressure at such a young age but he does need to know that his captain is 100% behind him.
Playing his best available players in every match means Bates also sends the right message to the Swiss camp, that he is not willing just to write off the two singles matches against Federer as unwinnable.
MMIX
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