England's preparations for the Melbourne Test starting on Boxing Day were boosted by the news that both Michael Vaughan and John Crawley are likely to be passed fit. Vaughan suffered a hairline fracture of his right shoulder in the third Test at Perth while Crawley missed the second and third Tests because of a hip injury. Vaughan, who chose to sit out the VB Series to be sure he was fit for the Tests, said he was confident that he was ready to return. "It hasn't stopped me playing and it hasn't stopped me doing anything so I don't perceive it to be any sort of problem," he said. "It doesn't restrict my movement at the crease or anything like that. It was just sore for the couple of weeks after I did it so as a precaution I had it scanned."

The pair's return to fitness, however, is not the end of England's injury worries – perish the thought. Alex Tudor is still suffering from blurred vision after being hit by a Brett Lee bouncer in Perth, and he remains a serious doubt. And Andy Caddick faces a late fitness test on his knee.

England will not look outside their original selections – or official replacements – to bolster their side so in-form Nick Knight and Perth centurion Paul Collingwood are not in consideration.

Understandably, Ricky Ponting was quick to dismiss England's prospects when the Tests resume. "There is no doubt they will be feeling the pressure again," he said. "It has been a fairly ordinary tour for them so far and if we play well in the first hour on the first day, then a lot of those bad memories will come flooding back."

As expected, England will encounter an old nemesis at Melbourne – Stuart MacGill, who has been recalled to take over from Shane Warne for the final two Tests.

"Stuart is the logical replacement for Warne," said Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors. "He is a high-class performer with a big-match temperament, something that is shown by his figures in Test matches, and he has an outstanding record against England. We are delighted to be able to call on someone of his ability as we look to continue our good form in this series.

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