Jeremy Bates Quits as Brit Davis Cup Captain

Bates had a 2-4 record as captain dating to January 2004, and will stay on in his current role as the British governing body's interim head of performance.

"I have enjoyed my time as Davis Cup captain and it has been a privilege both to do the job and to work with the players," Bates said. "I would like to thank all the players who have been in the team for the tremendous work that they put in. Nobody can doubt the effort and commitment that they showed, particularly in Eastbourne over the weekend. The highlight of my time as captain was undoubtedly the victory against Israel away last year."

Against Israel at home last weekend, Bate's team went down when Andy Murray and Jamie Delgado blew a 4-1 lead in the fifth set of the doubles, with Murray injuring his neck diving for a ball, forced to sit out the Sunday singles.

"I would like to thank Jeremy for his dedication over the last three years as captain," said LTA chief executive Roger Draper. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his broader coaching role at the LTA. As we redesign the LTA, Jeremy will be an important part of our team going forward...Although we hope to make a permanent appointment shortly I would consider appointing an interim captain should that be necessary."

Former British number one John Lloyd told the BBC on Monday that he would be interested in the position, while Murray's new coach, Brad Gilbert, cannot take the post as he doesn't have citizenship.

Britain will face the Ukraine in September in an attempt to avoid falling a rung lower in zonal play.