AB de Villiers is at another level: Mitchell Johnson

"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," said Johnson, reported cricket.com.au.

Johnson also noted the swift rise in batting standards, with the current crop providing immense competition to the seniors. Virat Kohli has been in phenomenal form, Joe Root and Kane Williamson have proven their mettle too, but Johnson still regards de Villiers above the rest.

Mitch, who is Australia’s 4th highest wicket-taker in Test matches, dismissed ABD five times in the longer format of the game. However de Villiers dominated their ODI battle, only surrendering his wicket thrice to the left-arm pacer since 2008.