Germany are through to the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2007 ©Getty Images

Germany's doubles pairing once again came through clutch as they defeated Britain in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.

For the third tie in a row, Germany's fate came down to the doubles encounter, and for the third time in a row Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz were victorious.

Two tiebreaks were required - the first containing 22 points - but Krawietz and Puetz saw off Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski 7-6, 7-6 in Innsbruck.

Britain had raced into an early lead after Dan Evans breezed past Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-1.

Germany were just one set from exiting the Davis Cup when Cameron Norrie won the second set in his match versus Jan-Lennard Struff, but Struff is made of stern stuff and bounced back.

Struff ensured it would come down to the doubles rubber by winning 7-6, 3-6, 6-2.

And Krawietz and Puetz duly delivered to send Germany through to the semi-finals.

The Germans had not reached the semi-finals since 2007.

They will now swap Austria for Spain and play either Sweden or the Russian Tennis Federation in the final four in Madrid.

Serbia - who boast world number one Novak Djokovic - play Kazakhstan in tomorrow's quarter-final, with Croatia waiting in the final four.