Australia captain Ricky Ponting says he is a certain starter for the Boxing Day Test against England, starting Sunday.
The 36-year-old put an end to all concerns over the little finger on his left hand on Christmas Day by saying "something pretty strange is going to have to happen for me not to play.
Ponting came through an hour-long net session two days out from the fourth Ashes Test and, most importantly, his recovery on the eve of the game was an impressive one.
"The finger's good. I'm pretty surprised how I've been able to train," Ponting said.
He added: "I've batted a lot in the last two days and I took part in all the fielding stuff out there, and just made sure I caught a few balls."
With Ponting fit, the only speculation on Christmas Day was surrounding the make-up of the final 11, especially whether left-arm spinner Michael Beer would come into the side at the expense of Victorian Peter Siddle or Ben Hilfenhaus.
The skipper kept his cards close when quizzed on the topic.
"We haven't finalised the 11 yet. We'll wait until the morning to see what the weather's like and if the wicket changes at all," Ponting said.
He added: "It's a bit different than it was Friday afternoon. It looks like there is a bit of moisture around."
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