CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 15: Mitchell Johnson of Australia bowls during day four of the First Test match between South Africa and Australia on February 15, 2014 in Centurion, South Africa. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)
Recently retired Australian quick Mitchell Johnson has revealed the most difficult batsman he has ever played against.
The 34-year-old says that South African star AB de Villiers is the best batsman he has bowled against.
"AB de Villiers, he's one outstanding player of our generation," Johnson told Inside Cricket.
"He was always so difficult to get out and a huge challenge.
"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."
AB de Villiers has scored 7770 Test runs from 100 matches at an average of 52.14 and 8401 ODI runs from 195 matches at an average of 54.21.