At Exeter Crown Court, Leon Smith, 62, from Okehampton, admitted failing to provide a suitable environment for 13 dogs on his Dartmoor smallholding.

BBC: Dartmoor farmer admits keeping dogs in 'appalling' mud

His decision deprives new captain Leon Smith, who used to coach Murray, of his best player for the tie against Turkey at Eastbourne next month.

BBC: Andy Murray opts out of Davis Cup tie against Turkey

The Scot's former mentor Leon Smith has been named as Britain's new Davis Cup captain to replace John Lloyd, who quit after the team's embarrassing defeat by Lithuania last month.

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British number one Andy Murray has chosen to take a break from the Davis Cup while number two Alex Bogdanovic also opted not to take part in the tie, which is Leon Smith's first as captain.

BBC: Great Britain close in on Davis Cup victory

But if the names Bob Gibson, Leon Wagner, Joe Rudi, Greg Maddux, Reggie Smith, Willie Stargell, Mike Schmidt, Kenny Lofton and lately Albert Pujols mean anything to you... well, you get the picture.

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Smith had rested several players - including Danny McGuire, Leon Pryce, James Graham and James Roby - to give fringe players such as Rob Purdham, Mickey Higham, Paul Sykes and Jamie Jones-Buchanan a chance to impress.

BBC: Smith furious after loss to Kiwis

But after injuries to Kyle Eastmond and Leon Pryce, and with utility back Jonny Lomax a doubt with a quad injury, Smith could make a dramatic Saints swansong.

BBC: St Helens half-back Matty Smith stands by for recall