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Hewitt sizzles in stunning Davis Cup practice vision

Germany's Davis Cup squad may be a little concerned after incredible Davis Cup training vision emerged of a red-hot Australia team led by Lleyton Hewitt.

Speculation has been rife that Hewitt would name himself to play in the doubles rubber but it appears the former world No.1 has opted against playing in the tie.

However, judging by the vision from Australia's practice on Thursday morning, the 36-year-old's absence may actually be a disadvantage for his side.

Hewitt was in fine touch, mixing superb volleying at the net with his customary baseline lobs to cause all sorts of problems for his doubles opponents, including Nick Kyrgios.

Germany's head of tennis Boris Becker said on Wednesday that he'd love to see Hewitt play in the tie but the Aussie captain has entrusted a younger generation with the task.

The Australian captain has selected Matt Ebden ahead of Jordan Thompson for this weekend's World Group clash with Germany in Brisbane.

Ebden joins Kyrgios, Alex De Minaur, John Millman and doubles specialist John Peers in the squad to take on Alexander Zverev, Jan-Lennard Struff, Peter Gojowczyk and Tim Puetz on Pat Rafter Arena.

De Minaur has been given a shot at German star Alexander Zverev in this weekend's first-round clash.

Alex De Minaur. Pic: Getty
Alex De Minaur. Pic: Getty

The 18-year-old has been selected as Australia's second singles player after a stellar January that saw him defeat six top-50 players in Brisbane and Sydney.

De Minaur will open the tie on Friday against Zverev, followed by Nick Kyrgios's rubber against Jan-Lennard Struff.

John Peers and Matt Ebden will face Tim Puetz and Peter Gojowczyk in the doubles on Saturday.

Ebden was a late call-up to the side, replacing Jordan Thompson in Lleyton Hewitt's bid for experience and form.

Thompson's form hasn't impressed Hewitt enough. Pic: Getty
Thompson's form hasn't impressed Hewitt enough. Pic: Getty

Hewitt fueled speculation that he could take part in the tie when he trained with the team but the former world No.1, who returned to doubles action with Sam Groth at the Australian Open, opted against it.

Sunday's action in the reverse singles will see Kyrgios face Zverev before the tie is completed with a match between De Minaur and Struff.

The winning nation will face Great Britain or Spain in the second round in April.

Watch all the action across the screens of 7 from Friday.

With AAP