Australia Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter named three teenagers in his squad for the away tie against France, their first World Group appearance since 2007.

Bernard Tomic was not considered due to an injury that forced him out of the Australian Open while Marinko Matosevic was dropped.

Rafter instead included Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis to join Lleyton Hewitt and doubles specialist Chris Guccione for the Jan. 31-Feb. 2 tie.

Jordan Thompson would be the travelling reserve.

“It’s going to be a fantastic environment for these kids, and good for us as well,” Rafter told reporters of his decision to include 18-year-old Kyrgios, Kokkinakis (17) and Thompson (19).

“It’s at that stage where you want to believe and make this team as strong as we can and as deep as we can.

“I like the idea we got obviously Bernie there ready to come back after his operation, and Marinko hopefully able to overcome the things he needs to overcome to become a great Davis Cup player.”

Australia will face a French team laden with top-ranked talent with world number nine Richard Gasquet and number 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga available for the matches on clay in La Roche sur Yon.