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Emerson Jones is set for a potential debut as Australia faces Great Britain in Melbourne.
Teenager Emerson Jones says she is ready to make her debut for Australia in this week's Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Great Britain in Melbourne.
The 17-year-old was called into the squad after Maya Joint withdrew due to a back injury. Jones joins a team captained by Sam Stosur and featuring Talia Gibson, Kimberly Birrell, Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez.
Australia has been preparing in Melbourne ahead of the two-day tie at John Cain Arena, which begins on Friday. Jones, currently ranked world No.134, was part of the squad as a training partner last year and said she feels comfortable stepping into the group.
She noted the transition from support role to selected player as a significant step, adding that representing Australia in the green and gold is an opportunity she is eager to embrace.
If selected, Jones would be among the youngest debutants in the competition's history, which dates back to 1963 when it was known as the Federation Cup.
Hunter said the team was disappointed to lose Joint, who is ranked No.30, but viewed Jones' inclusion as an opportunity. She added that playing in Melbourne was a positive, with the city hosting a tie for the first time in 15 years.
Great Britain will arrive understrength, with Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Francesca Jones opting to focus on the European clay season. Sonay Kartal is also unavailable after a recent back injury.
The tie will follow a best-of-five format, featuring four singles matches and one doubles match. The winner will progress to the eight-nation Finals in China in September.
