Former Australia fast bowler names the most difficult batsman he faced during his glittering international career
Johnson reveals toughest opponent
Mitchell Johnson mixed it with the best batsman across the world during his outstanding career for Australia, but says South Africa superstar AB de Villiers was the standout.
Johnson, who retired from all forms of international cricket on Tuesday, says de Villiers was the hardest batsman to crack in his 73-Test career in the Baggy Green.
"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."
WATCH: Johnson destroys South Africa in Centurion
In that Centurion Test, Johnson claimed 12 wickets and the man of the match award, ripping apart the Proteas with the same pace and hostility that destroyed England in the Ashes only months earlier.
And while Johnson dismissed de Villiers twice in that match, the prodigious right-hander cut a lone figure for the humbled hosts, top-scoring in both innings with 91 and 48.
Former Australia teammate Shane Watson recalls Johnson's ferocious spell at SuperSport Park from the sidelines and was taken aback by how easily de Villiers handled a rampant Johnson at the peak of his powers.
"You've got world-class players of fast bowling and jeez, Mitch was incredible," Watson told cricket.com.au.
"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."
Johnson dismissed de Villiers five times in the five-day format and three times in one-dayers since they first collided in December 2008.
De Villiers was ranked the 10th greatest player of the 21st century by this website earlier this year, while Johnson's prolific career saw him finish in 22nd spot.
Click to discover the Top 10 of the 21st Century