Samantha Stosur has confirmed she’ll return to play in Australia’s first Fed Cup semi-final since 1993.

In a major boost to Australia’s hopes of winning the Fed Cup for the first time in 40 years, Stosur will be in Brisbane to lead the way against Germany at Pat Rafter Arena on April 19-20.

With the semi-final taking place in the middle of the European claycourt season, Stosur had been wavering.

The former US Open champion’s availability gives Australia a fighting chance of toppling the powerful Germans, who will be led by world No.9 Angelique Kerber and Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki, the world No.15.

Stosur, currently ranked 20th, has won her past four Fed Cup singles matches and beat Kerber and Andrea Petkovic to help Australia defeat Germany in the countries’ most recent meeting in Stuttgart in 2012.

“I’m glad I made my decision to play and I’ll give it everything I’ve got in Brisbane to help us get to the final,” Stosur said on Thursday.

Stosur will be supported by the resurgent Casey Dellacqua, who has slashed her ranking by half to 56th after a sizzling start to 2014, and teenager Ashleigh Barty.

“It will be tough against Germany but we have the players and the form to have a great chance in getting over the line,” said Australian captain Alicia Molik.

The winners of the hardcourt tie will play either defending champions Italy or the Czech Republic in the final in November.

If Australia win their semi-final, they will either host the Czech Republic or take on the reigning champions in Italy.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Australia’s last Fed Cup win, led by Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1974.