Ricky Ponting admits Australia faces an almost impossible selection dilemma after Andy Bichel's faultless performance in the miracle World Cup cricket win over England.

Bichel's 7-20 from 10 overs and crucial innings of 34 not out at St George's Park means it would be bordering on cruelty to leave him out of Australia's first Super Sixes game at Centurion's SuperSport Park on Friday.

The 32-year-old Queenslander has 12 Cup wickets at the ridiculous average of 2.75.

He's taken as many wickets as Glenn McGrath from half as many matches.

But if Bichel is retained, and first-pick fast bowler Jason Gillespie returns from injury as expected, who will make way?

Allrounder Andrew Symonds, despite his match-winning 143 not out in Australia's first match against Pakistan, appears to be the most vulnerable.

His would be an unfair sacking, too.

But 12 into XI won't go.

Asked if Bichel was a certain selection, Ponting said: "It would be hard for him not to be.

"It's going to be pretty hard to leave him out. He'll be looking at the No.3 spot with the bat at the moment.

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