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The Britons put on a feisty display but were outclassed 7-5 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 by the formidable duo of world number one Roger Federer and Yves Allegro.

The result gave Switzerland an unassailable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five play-off tie.

It leaves Britain consigned to another season in the Euro-African zone.

It was a disappointing outcome after the valiant effort by the British duo, who were playing in their first competitive match together.

If we had won the tie-breaker, maybe it would be different now Greg Rusedski More Davis Cup reaction

After conceding the first set in the 12th game, they gave themselves a glimmer of hope in the second, fending off a succession of break points before breaking the favourites twice to leave Murray serving out for the set.

Teenage star Murray continued to show courage beyond his years as he and Rusedski regained the initiative after going a break down early in the third set.

With Federer serving for the set at 5-3, a superb forehand down the line by Rusedski broke the Federer serve for the first time and brought the Britons back to 5-4.

But the Swiss pair breezed through the ensuing tie-break 7-1 to move within one set of victory.

By this point, Federer and Allegro, who is ranked inside the world's top 50 in doubles, seemed to have broken down the British resistance with a crucial early fourth-set break of Murray's serve.

Switzerland broke the Scot's serve once more before Allegro eventually served out for victory.

Switzerland set up Saturday's triumph with two straight sets victories in Friday's opening singles rubbers including a 6-0 6-0 6-2 win for Federer over British world number 262 Alan Mackin.

With Britain now trailing Switzerland 3-0, the two reverse singles rubbers left to play on Sunday have been rendered meaningless, though the matches will go ahead although likely to be reduced to best of three sets.