The world number two, the runner-up at the Australian Open in January, will take on Taro Daniel before Dan Evans, a late replacement for the injured Kyle Edmund, faces Kei Nishikori.

Murray will be making his return to action following the birth of daughter Sophia last month.

Dominic Inglot and Jamie Murray are due to go up against Yoshihito Nishioka and Yasutaka Uchiyamain in the doubles encounter on Saturday (March 5) before the reverse singles rubbers are held the following day.

Britain’s clash with Japan is one of eight first-round ties scheduled to take place this weekend, with places in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt is set to make an early comeback to the game during his country’s match with the United States in Melbourne after he announced his retirement at the end of the Australian Open.

The former world number one is Australia’s most successful Davis Cup player in history having won 58 of his 78 singles and doubles matches since his debut in the competition in 1999.

Hewitt will make a playing return to the Davis Cup fold after controversial character Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the tie due to injury.

World number one Novak Djokovic is the headline name in Serbia’s squad for their match against Kazakhstan in his home town of Belgrade.

Like Murray, the 11-time Grand Slam champion will get his country's tie underway when he plays Aleksandr Nedovyesov.

The 22-year-old was forced to retire hurt with an eye infection during the quarter-finals of the Dubai Championship last week against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez but insists he is fighting fit and raring to go as Serbia begin their quest for a first Davis Cup crown since 2010.

“I am fit to play and I am glad to be able to say it because I was a bit sceptical the first few days after arriving from Dubai,” Djokovic said.

“This eye infection occurred to me for the first time in my life.

“The training went very well and hopefully I will be able to play at my best on Friday.”

Belgium, who lost last year’s final on home soil to Britain, will begin their bid for redemption against Croatia in Liege.

Switzerland, winners of the competition in 2014, entertain Italy in their first match of the 2016 tournament in Pesaro.

Poland take on 2011 runners-up Argentina in Gdansk.

Germany entertain the Czech Republic in Hannover and France play Canada in Guadeloupe.