Barty and Gavrilova fly the flag

ASHLEIGH Barty and Daria Gavrilova will lead Australia’s charge in the Fed Cup clash with Ukraine as Sam Stosur continues her absence from the team.

World No.16 Barty and No.25 Gavrilova will be joined by Casey Dellacqua and Destanee Aiava for the World Group II tie in Canberra on February 11 as Australia bids to rejoin the Fed Cup elite.

Stosur, ranked 39, took a break from national team duties last year to focus on her singles career and had hoped to return for Australia in 2018.

“Sam has decided to focus on WTA events and reclaiming points after her period of time out with her hand injury last year,” a Tennis Australia spokeswoman said.

“Though we will miss her in Canberra, we wish her the very best.”

Despite Stosur’s absence, captain Alicia Molik was talking up Australia’s chances against a team set to feature world No.3 Elina Svitolina.

“This is one of the strongest Fed Cup teams we’ve had in many years,” Molik said.

Ukraine prevented Australia from reaching the eightnation World Group in February last year, winning the tie 3-1 in Kharkiv.

This month’s winner will play off against one of the four losers in the World Group first round for a place in the final eight.

Australia’s four team members will be joined by hitting partner Lizette Cabrera.