Ponting likely to play in fourth Test

Ricky Ponting said Thursday his chances of leading Australia in Sunday's fourth Ashes Test against England were "very high" after completing training without mishap.

Ponting fractured the little finger on his left hand while attempting a slip catch during the third Test win in Perth last weekend.

The Australian skipper told the Network Ten television station he rated his chances of playing in Melbourne as "very high" and said his injury had shown even greater improvement than he had expected.

Ponting's determination to play in Sunday's crucial Ashes Test despite a broken finger will provide great inspiration to the Australia team, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said.

Uncapped New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja has been put on standby for Ponting. AFP