Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Andy Murray will lead Britain for the second years in succession as he combines with Heather Watson at the eight-nation international teams event. The No, 3 Scot will return to Western Australia for the fourth time as he starts the January 3-9 tournament.

In a new twist, tournament boss Paul Kilderry revealed that host Australia will field two squads – Gold and Green – in the round-robin event, with Lleyton Hewitt confirmed for what should be his last time in Perth prior to an expected February retirement. He is due to team with local Casey Dellacqua.

When Britain and Australia clash, it would be a re-run of this weekend’s Davis Cup semi-final to be played in Glasgow.

“I’ve always loved playing the Hopman Cup, I love playing for my country,” said Hewitt, who will make his eighth appearance at the event. I’ve never played in the new stadium in Perth either so I’m looking forward to it.

“Plus for my last Australian Open I think it’s great preparation. I’m guaranteed the three matches but hopefully four if we can make the final.”

Murray’s last Perth appearance in January led to his fourth Australian Open final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. The Scot said he cannot think of a better preparation for the 2016 season. “They have a great crowd there. The new center court is extremely similar to Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena, so it’s great preparation for the Aussie Open.

“From a preparation standpoint is that the conditions are extremely hot there… and also you’re guaranteed matches. You’re guaranteed to play three singles, three mixed matches, so you get time on court.”

Other teams in the field will include Czech Republic, Germany, France, Ukraine and the United States with the full player lineup to be confirmed next month.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.