Australia captain Ricky Ponting expects to be fit to play in the crucial fourth Ashes Test at the MCG despite scans confirming he has broken a finger.

Ponting has been named in an unchanged Australia squad, made up of the victorious Perth XI plus uncapped spinner Michael Beer, with Cricket Australia confirming they will add to the 12 if required.

Ponting suffered the injury to the little finger on his left hand late on day three of the third Test in Perth when he spilt a catch off Jonathan Trott at second slip, the ball nonetheless looping up for Brad Haddin to complete the dismissal.

The Tasmanian left the field soon afterwards and was absent as Australia completed victory on day four at the WACA, and there had been fears he could miss the remainder of the series after undergoing scans.

But Ponting said after the 267-run victory that levelled the series at 1-1: "I was a bit sore today. I can't afford to take knock on it at this stage.

"I needs time to heal. I think I'm a good chance to play in Melbourne.

"I haven't been game to grab a bat yet. I'll wait a couple of days before I do that.

"As far as fingers go though it's not a bad one to break."

Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said on Sunday morning: "Ricky Ponting had an x-ray last night that has confirmed a small fracture of his left little finger."