Czechs to lose Stepanek for Cup doubles

The Czech Republic's hopes of pegging back Australia's 2-0 Davis Cup lead have suffered a setback with crafty veteran Radek Stepanek unlikely to play in Saturday's doubles due to injury.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson gave the home side the commanding lead in the world group first round tie at Kooyong, posting straight sets victories in the singles rubbers over Jan Satral and Jiri Vesely respectively.

Czech captain Jaroslav Navratil said former world No.8 Stepanek was in extreme doubt for the doubles against Australia's John Peers and Sam Groth, which could decide the tie.

While Navatil didn't specify what the injury was, 38-year-old Stepanek has a history of back problems which almost ended his career in 2014.

"It's a difficult situation for us because Australia has a very good doubles team and Radenek is not playing because yesterday (Thursday) he get injured a little bit so it's tough for us," Navratil said.

He said he would talk to Stepanek again to see if he was any chance to play otherwise Satral and Vesely would pair up for the doubles.