Ponting tests broken finger in training session at MCG

MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Australia captain Ricky   Ponting tested out his broken finger during fielding and   throwing drills yesterday and said he was hopeful of playing   the fourth Ashes test against England ‘pain-free’.

Ponting broke his little finger during a catch attempt in   the slips in the third test in Perth and did not take the   field on the fourth and final day as Australia completed a   267-run victory to level the five-test series 1-1.

The 36-year-old captain appeared to have little difficulty   during the fielding session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground   but elected not to take the crease in the nets.