Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says he expects captain Ricky Ponting to be fit for the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG on Boxing Day.
Ponting fractured the little finger on his left hand attempting a catch in Australia's convincing victory at the WACA which levelled the series.
Upcoming New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja has been called up as cover for Ponting.
But Sutherland, echoing the thoughts of Australian batting coach Justin Langer, says he would be surprised if Ponting did not lead the side in Melbourne.
Ponting has scored just 83 runs in the series, including a 51 not out in the second innings of the first test at the Gabba.
