Finger rules Ponting out of Ashes finale

Ricky Ponting will miss next week's final Ashes Test in Sydney after aggravating the fracture in his left little finger.

Ponting was passed fit for the fourth match of five at the MCG after suffering the injury in the third Test in Perth last week.

But after having the finger x-rayed again following the innings-and-157-run defeat which saw England retain the Ashes, the 36-year-old has learned he may need surgery to treat the injury and will therefore not be able to play in the new year Test at the SCG.

Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "Ricky Ponting had a repeat x-ray after the fourth Test, which showed evidence that the fracture of his fifth finger has moved during the course of the Melbourne Test.

"As such, he needs to commence treatment immediately to achieve a satisfactory outcome. The treatment options include surgery or aggressive splinting and immobilisation of the injured finger."