Former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson has revealed that South Africa's AB de Villiers was the toughest batsman he has ever had to bowl during his decorated career.
" AB de Villiers was the guy who really stood out for me. Now some of these younger guys are coming up towards his standard. AB was a guy that was above everyone else for a long period; just how calm he was, he had all the shots," Johnson said.
While hailing the sensational rise of the current crop of batting talents such as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith in the past couple of years, the former pace merchant believes that the swashbuckling South African stood above the rest.
Johnson had dismissed AB de Villiers five times in the Test format and three times in one-dayers since they first collided in December 2008.
He is the fourth highest wicket-taker for Australia in Tests, claiming a staggering 313 wickets in 73 matches.
