Australian captain Ricky Ponting says he's a certain starter for the Boxing Day Test.
The skipper put to end all the conjecture surrounding his left pinky finger on Christmas Day by saying "something pretty strange is going to have to happen today for me not to play tomorrow."
Ponting came through an hour-long net session two days out from the Test against England and, most importantly, his recovery on his 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.
"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 two if the wicket changes at all," Ponting said.
"It's a bit different than it was yesterday afternoon. It looks like there is a bit of moisture around."
As for England, pace spearhead James Anderson looks primed to be there in front of what is expected to be a world record crowd at the MCG.
The current mark stands at 90,800, set at the MCG in February 1961 for the Test between Australia and Frank Worrell's West Indies team.
Anderson impressed during net sessions in the lead-up to the test and captain Andrew Strauss has said his key fast-bowler has no concerns with a side strain.
''He has had a bit of a niggle, but he seems to have got over that. He’s 100 percent fit and available for selection,'' Strauss said.
England is expected to retain the faith with the 11 who played at the WACA, with emerging star Steve Finn tipped to hold his spot, even though Tim Bresnan has pressed strong for selection, while experience will see Paul Collingwood there.
''We're going to have to think about what the best balance is before tomorrow and we'll name the side at the toss,'' Strauss said.
''Finny's done some really good things this tour and taken quite a few wickets. He’s young and learning, and I think he’s going to get better.''
Strauss has backed his troops to bounce back from their 267-run loss in Perth and spoke of his enthusiasm of playing in the Boxing Day Test.
''It's a big Test match, our heads have got to be firmly on the cricket,'' Strauss said.
''We've had a few days off which was very much needed (because) it's been quite a long tour, there’s talk of nearly 100,000 people being there. It’s one of the highlights of your career, being able to play at the MCG in a Boxing Day Test.''
Back to Anderson, who has impressed during net sessions in the lead-up to the test and captain Andrew Strauss has said his key fast-bowler has no concerns with a side strain.
"He has had a bit of a niggle, but he seems to have got over that. He's 100 percent fit and available for selection," Strauss said.
England is expected to retain the faith with the 11 who played at the