Mitchell Johnson: AB de Villiers toughest batsman I’ve bowled to

Mitchell Johnson recalled the Centurion Test vs South Africa in 2013-14 as an example of AB de Villiers's grit and elegance.

Mitchell Johnson has rated South African One-Day International (ODI) skipper AB de Villiers as the toughest batsman has has ever bowled to. The Australian left-arm pacer, who retired from international cricket following the conclusion of the second Test against New Zealand at Perth, spoke of the spell to the explosive batsman in Centurion in the 2013-14 tour of South Africa in particular while describing his rivalry with de Villiers. “AB de Villiers, he’s one outstanding player of our generation. He was always so difficult to get out and a huge challenge,” the fiery left-arm pacer was quoted as saying according to a report on cricket.com.au. READ: Mitchell Johnson retires as one of Australia’s greatest tearaways

“I remember the game at Centurion (in 2014) and I’d got a few quick wickets in that game and he came out to bat and looked so calm and composed and just played his natural game.

“It really is difficult when someone does come out like that and you’re on top of your game. “But it really is a great challenge and he’s been one of the best players I’ve played against,” added Johnson, who took 12 wickets to earn the ‘Man of the Match’ award in that game, but faced stiff resistance from de Villiers (91 and 48). READ: Mitchell Johnson a nightmare during net practice, says Ricky Ponting

All-rounder and Johnson’s Australian team-mate Shane Warne supported the pacer’s observations, agreeing to the notion that de Villiers had given Johnson a tough time in Centurion.

“You’ve got world-class players of fast bowling and jeez, Mitch was incredible. Even though when AB de Villiers came into bat it was like Mitch was bowling 110kph, but that’s a different story. For all the other normal people … it was incredible to watch,” said Watson.

Johnson retired from international cricket after the second Test against New Zealand, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker for Australia in Tests with 313 scalps (behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee). He has dismissed de Villiers, who was ranked as the 10th greatest player of the 21st century by cricket.com.au, five times in Tests and three times in ODIs.