The 28-year-old's success eases the pressure on Dan Evans who was to face Bernard Tomic in the second singles rubber later on Friday.

The World No 300 was a surprise selection by captain Leon Smith, having been a late call-up to the squad following an injury suffered by Kyle Edmund.

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Onus on Evans
A win for Evans over the World No 23 would leave Britain needing just one more victory from either today's doubles or the two reverse singles tomorrow to secure their place in a first Davis Cup final for 37 years.

"It was a huge match and I'm glad I managed to put on a good performance," said Murray. "I started the match really well. I was hitting the ball cleanly and I didn't give him any opportunities on my serve. Once I got the break in the middle of the first set I just continued to play better.

"My results speak for themselves. I don't know why I play better when I play for my country. I love it, it is a proud moment."

Britain haven't beaten Australia in the Davis Cup since 1978, with the 28-time winners securing victory in their last three meetings, the most recent of which came in 2003 when Australia last won the trophy.