Great Britain must win their final two singles matches against Austria to stay in the elite Davis Cup World Group after suffering a heavy doubles defeat.
Jamie Murray and Ross Hutchins were outclassed and beaten in straight sets by Julian Knowle and Jurgen Melzer, the Austrians winning 6-4 6-3 6-1.
Melzer hit some fine winners off both flanks and now faces British number one Andy Murray on Sunday.
If Murray wins, Alex Bogdanovic's match against Alex Peya will be the decider.
But that is assuming world number four Murray, who was rested from the doubles after a slight abductor muscle strain, can beat world number 41 Melzer.
"I thought it would be closer but Austria were always the favourites - Our boys are disappointed, they didn't play as well as they can"
British captain John Lloyd's decision to pick Hutchins instead may be seen as pivotal towards the outcome of the tie as it was undoubtedly made with the remaining singles matches in mind.
But with Jamie Murray well out of sorts, it is debatable whether his brother could have made any difference here.
Murray was broken in his very first game and never looked comfortable, either with his serve or at the net.
And, although Melzer dropped his serve immediately, it was only a matter of time before the Austrian pair stamped their authority on the match.
Once Hutchins was broken at 3-3, the Austrians upped the ante - serving out for the first set and quickly racking up a 4-0 lead in the second.
606: DEBATEOnly at 1-5 down did the British pair respond but, although they saved six set points as they clawed one break back, the second set still slipped away as Hutchins was broken again.
There was no respite in the third set either as Knowle's big serve and Melzer's inspired groundstrokes swept Austria home.
"I thought it would be closer but Austria were always the favourites," said Lloyd.
"Our boys are disappointed. They didn't play as well as they can. But it's all about winning three matches and we still think we can win the match."
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