Josh Goodall moves up rankings

Josh Goodall has replaced British No 2 James Ward in the Davis Cup team for this weekend’s Europe/Africa Zone Group I clash with Belgium at Braehead Arena.

Ward has been forced to pull out with a back injury so Goodall will join Dan Evans for the singles rubbers at Braehead Arena, the venue for his only previous Davis Cup match against Ukraine in 2009.

With Britain already missing their No 1 Andy Murray, who has chosen to practise on clay in the United States this week, Ward’s absence is another blow and leaves the hosts without a player ranked in the world’s top 250. Goodall, who is ranked 253rd, will go straight in at No 1 for the tie, with Evans, the hero last time out against Slovakia, down at 344th.

Given Belgium’s four players are all ranked in the top 150, Britain’s chances of victory now look slimmer than ever, but Goodall is on a run of five straight victories having won a Futures tournament in Germany last week.

The 26-year-old from Basingstoke, who is yet to win a Davis Cup rubber, said: “It’s bad luck for James, but a great opportunity for me. I’m in good form, and I know from previous experience what a great atmosphere you get at the Braehead Arena for a Davis Cup tie, so I can’t wait.”

Captain Leon Smith is looking for a sixth successive victory since taking over the role from John Lloyd in 2010, and he has backed Goodall to justify his selection. “Josh is more than capable of stepping up for this tie,” he said.