James Anderson has been declared fit to take part in tomorrow's fourth Ashes Test at the MCG.

The Lancashire paceman had been struggling with stiffness in his side following his exertions in the third Test in Perth, which the hosts won by 267 runs to level the series.



But he bowled for an hour in the nets yesterday and for a shorter time today, and captain Andrew Strauss has now ended any lingering doubts over his participation.

"He is 100% fit," Strauss said.

"He had a bit of a niggle but seems to have got over that and he is available for selection tomorrow."

It is also expected that Ricky Ponting will be fit to lead Australia, having recovered satisfactorily from a broken little finger on his left hand.