Injured Murray facing scan

Murray ricked his neck in his doubles match defeat on Saturday night, and will now delay his departure to the United States, where he had planned to begin his hardcourt season.

Britain's shock defeat was confirmed when Jamie Delgado lost a five-set singles match 3-6 4-6 7-6 6-2 3-6 in the fourth rubber of the tie.

The loss means that Jeremy Bates' team face a relegation play-off in Euro-Africa Group One against Ukraine in Kiev in September.

Captain Bates is likely to have Greg Rusedski back for that tie having missed the Eastbourne match due to a hip injury.

Delgado almost forced the tie in to the final rubber when he fought back from two sets down against Israel's number one, Noam Okun, and Bates said afterwards he thought he saw encouraging signs.

"This is a team for the future and I'm proud of what the guys produced on court over the last few days," he insisted.

"Sure, it is a big disappointment when you lose but I can't see that those players could do any more than they did.

"They put their hearts and souls into it. I've seen so much commitment from them it makes be proud to be captain, a privilege for me.

"If that's what British tennis is all about then I think we should all be enthused about what we can achieve in the future, and I think the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) should support those players who are prepared to put themselves out there.

"The Davis Cup is a different kind of pressure from individual tournaments and although we have had a frustrating time again we know we have the ability that could have easily won this one."

Delgado finished the match in tears and is still seeking his first Davis Cup singles win in five attempts, although he received a massive ovation from the Eastbourne crowd and a hug from doubles partner Murray.

He said: "I'm unbelievably disappointed but when I look back on the last couple of days I won't be able to think of any other two days like it for me, where I've lost two five-setters but given it everything.

"It will be a positive for me. I got the adrenaline going and gave it my best shot but it was not quite enough."