But from there, the points evaded the Bulldogs consistently with win after win for the Union Jacks.

It had been a tough start for the team what looked on paper to be the strongest. Prior to the tournament starting, Bulldog captains Leon Smith and Anne Keothavong laughingly referred to themselves as the underdogs – well let’s face it, any team going up against all three Murrays would feel the same.

Andy Murray, in just his second match this tournament, formed a formidable partnership with Lloyd Glasspool. Heather Watson produced her best performance so far in her restart to halt he progress of Emma Raducanu – both two-point matches.

Although late in the day, Kyle Edmund regained another point for the Bulldogs, it was Watson’s day to shine as she was key to a great win along with Jamie Murray, to nab the final three points on offer and closing the gap to just 6 points of the British Bulldogs.

There was plenty of praise for Watson. Jamie Murray called her the player of the day but perhaps the most glowing praise came from Bulldogs captain, and Watson’s Fed Cup captain, Anne Keothavong.

She said, at the end of the day: “I still think we're the underdogs despite maintaining our lead. The Jacks were incredibly good. A few tight matches which could have gone either way today. But for me the stand-out performances have been from Heather Watson today. She was awesome in her singles against Emma and again very good in the mixed tonight.”

Union Jacks captain Judy Murray is under no illusions as to what the effect of the team banter has been.

She said: “We're having a lot of fun and I think that the team camaraderie is actually really helping as well. Everybody is. getting behind everybody else and I'm absolutely loving it.”

17 points will be on offer on Friday, and if the Union Jacks continue their resurgence, it could make for a thrilling finish at the weekend.