Live Correspondent: A jubilant Kristina Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia led France to its first Fed Cup title since 2003 on Sunday, winning a deciding doubles rubber to crush Australia’s hopes 3-2.

In the last tournament played under the current format, the pair kept their focus at Perth Arena to overcome Ashleigh Barty and Samantha Stosur 6- 4, 6-3, denying the home team their first crown in 45 years.

France also won in 1997 when they beat the Netherlands and in 2003 by overcoming the United States.