Bernard Tomic became Australia's youngest Davis Cup player in 77 years when he was named Thursday to lead off the Asia Oceania Group One tie against Taiwan.

The 17-year-old was preferred ahead of the higher-ranked Carsten Ball to win a singles spot, alongside Peter Luczak for the zonal tie, starting at Melbourne Park on Friday.

At 17 years and 135 days, Tomic will be Australia's youngest player since Vivian McGrath played at the age of 17 years 84 days against Norway in 1933, Tennis Australia said.