Davis Cup call-up for Richardson: Tennis

Andrew Richardson, who is 23 today, was given an early birthday present yesterday when he was included in Britain's squad of five for the Davis Cup tie against Zimbabwe at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre from 4 to 6 April.

The 6ft 7in Lincolnshire left-hander has been selected with Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Neil Broad and Mark Petchey for the Euro-African zone group one tie. The winners will go forward to the World Group qualifying round from 19 to 21 September, and if Britain were successful against Zimbabwe and in the qualifying round they would return to the World Group of the top 16 nations.

One member of Britain's squad will have to be discarded 10 days before the Zimbabwe tie and the odd man out is likely to be Petchey. Henman and Rusedski, who have already reached five ATP Tour finals between them this year, will undoubtedly be the two singles players. But Richardson could make his Davis Cup debut in the doubles with either Henman or Broad.

Zimbabwe will be represented by the Black brothers, Byron and Wayne, and will not be easy opponents. Byron Black already has two victories over Henman to his credit.