Murray critical of Henman return

Andy Murray yesterday cast doubt on the wisdom of Tim Henman making a Davis Cup comeback after Peter Lundgren, Britain's new coach, and John Lloyd, the team's captain, had made the journey to Basle to try to persuade Henman to change his mind and play for Britain again.

In an interview with the BBC, the Scot said: "I don't see it as a step forward picking Tim." Britain's No 1 made it clear that he would " love him [Henman] to be in the team" but that this "might be a good time for some of the young guys to step up and be counted".

Lloyd is keen for Henman, who retired from Davis Cup in September 2004, to play in April's home tie against the Netherlands. Yesterday Britain's No 2 won his first match at the Swiss Indoor tournament, beating the world No 68, Christophe Rochus of Belgium, 6-2, 6-3.

After Henman had talked to Lloyd and Lundgren he said: "My mind is open to a return and it's definitely worth more discussion."