Rusedski repeatedly battled from behind in the final set to prevail 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 11-9 in three hours, 16 minutes.

The 25-year-old Indian, currently ranked number 88, twice served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5. But Rusedski broke back each time, saving a match point in the 12th game with a backhand service return which clipped the netcord and dropped at the Indian's feet.

Rusedski got in trouble again on his own serve, going down 0-40 at 6-6 and 15-40 at 7-7. But he again fought back to hold.

Rusedski led 10-9 when he broke Paes to close out the match. At 15-40, Paes saved the first match point with a forehand passing shot. But he double faulted on the second to end the match.

Tim Henman, the current British No 1 who enjoys a world ranking of 15, faces Mahesh Bhupathi in the secondsingles match later today.

Paes and Bhupathi, the world's third-ranked doubles team, face Henman and Rusedski in tomorrow's doubles. The reverse singles are Sunday.

The winner of the tie will advance to the elite 16-team world group. Britain hasn't played in the World Group since 1992. India thrashed Britain 4-1 on grass in the World Group play-off tie in 1992 and since then the latter have been unable to bounce back into the elite 16-member World Group.