The Australian captain began the day nursing his broken finger on this thirty-sixth birthday. And buoyed by the Australian win, Ricky Ponting remains optimistic for the Boxing Day Test.
Ponting believes his little finger may not come in the way of his participation in the fourth Test of the Ashes 2010 at the MCG after suffering a small fracture while attempting to take the catch of Jonathan Trott the previous evening.

Even as Australia tied up the loose ends to win the third Test at the WACA in Perth to give Ponting some cheer on his birthday, Ponting is keeping his fingers crossed that he will make it to the playing eleven when the Boxing Day Test comes around.

Ponting has been under a great deal of pressure as a captain of a beleaguered Australian team thus far in the Ashes. But the Perth win will greatly revive spirits in the Australian dressing room while proving to be a wake up call for England. Ponting, however, says he will not let his captaincy fears work their way into the MCG wherein he says only he is feels hundred per cent and in a position to make a valuable contribution.

Heal, sore little finger, heal. That is probably what Ponting is telling his injured finger. And he should because Australia’s revival will reflect one way or another on his future role as player and captain.

Would Punter bet on Ponting’s return at the MCG as the Australian squad remain unchanged? You bet!