Ponting looks certain to play in fourth Test against England

Ricky Ponting looks certain to captain Australia in the crucial fourth Test against England after coming through a net session unscathed.



The 36-year-old fractured a finger when he parried a catch during Australia's 267-run third Test victory at Perth.



But he batted against a bowling machine in the indoor nets at the MCG before heading outside to face throw-downs from Coach Tim Nielsen.



Uncapped New South Wales state batsman Usman Khawaja has been on standby for Ponting, who will not be able to field in the slips if he does play in the match.



Ponting has won five of the six Test matches he has captained Australia at the MCG, the only blemish being a nine-wicket defeat by South Africa in 2008.