Britain in commanding lead

Murray dominated Raemon Sluiter 6-3 7-5 6-2 in the weekend's opening match, while Henman crushed Robin Haase 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) in his return to Davis Cup play for the first time in more than two years.

The 19-year-old Murray, who had been a doubt for the tie because of groin and hip injuries, looked spry as ever leaping over a ball-boy after nearly saving a difficult drop-shot in the second set.

The Scot overpowered Sluiter in the opening set claiming the first three games of the match thanks to an early break.

The world number 11 then struggled a bit in the second set, but ultimately claimed the break at 5-5 with a majestic passing shot that landed just inside the backline for the winner and the only break of the second set.

In the third set Murray needed four match points to win on serve after committing multiple unforced errors, but ultimately took advantage of two breaks to clinch the victory.

"I thought he played really well. He was making me do a lot of running and I was making a lot of mistakes in the second set," Murray said of his unheralded opponent, ranked 140th in the world.

"Towards the end I lost my concentration a few times, but I played well on the big points."

Murray was a doubt for the weekend due to injuries picked up at last month's Indian Wells Masters, but was ultimately given the nod by captain John Lloyd on Thursday after a brief practice session the day prior.

"I felt it after the first few games," Murray said of the injury.

"I had been practising but you don't really stretch yourself until you are in the match. It wasn't restricting my movement but I still felt it."

"I can't ask for more," Lloyd said of Murray's performance.

"He played great. He played best on the pressure points and that's what it came down to."

Murray's victory gave Great Britain a crucial opening win and took a bit of the pressure off of the 32-year-old Henman, who dominated Haase after dropping the opening break in his return from two and a half years of absence.

Henman's last Davis Cup appearance came in September of 2004 when he beat Jurgen Melzer 0-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to give Britain a 3-2 win over Austria in the first round.

After dropping his opening serve against Haase, Henman broke straight back and then held serve until the tie-break, which he easily won.

Henman dominated the second set with two breaks and then held off a strong challenge from the Dutchman in the third to the enormous delight of the home fans.

"It's fantastic to be back in this type of atmosphere. It's what Davis Cup is all about," said the British number two.

"Last year I began to miss it and to be back winning is even better. I feel in good shape."

Canadian born Greg Rusedski and Andy Murray's brother Jamie will try to give Britain a 3-0 lead and victory in the tie when they face Igor Sijsling and Roger Wassen at 13:00 BST on Saturday.