BBL 2019-20: AB de Villiers reveals three best batsmen he has played with or against

AB de Villiers picked Steven Smith, Graeme Smith and Virat Kohli as the three best batsmen he has played with or against in his career so far.The former South African cricketer revealed the names in an interview on Monday ahead of his Big Bash League (BBL) debut.

When asked to name five best batsmen he thought were the best, de Villiers did not go past the Smiths and Kohli.

"Very limited in his technique but he [Steve Smith] finds a way; just an amazing character," said de Villiers before adding," Graeme Smith; there is something about the Smiths. Graeme [was] not the flashiest players but he played for the team and wanted to make a statement always."

"Kohli is similar. He is that kind of guy you don't talk on the field. If he switches on, he's going to make you pay for. He always has something to prove and he just doesn't give it away. Ah, I have named three so let's just leave it there (laughs)," the former skipped told cricket.com.au.

De Villiers commenced his BBL career with a match-winning 40 as Brisbane Heat defeated Adelaide Strikers at The Gabba on Tuesday. Chasing a mere target of 111, Heat claimed the victory with seven wickets and 4.4 overs to spare.

The 35-year-old BBL debutant walked out at 11 for 2 and joined young Matt Renshaw in the middle. The two shared a 77-run partnership for the third wicket before Strikers' Liam O Connor broke the stand. De Villiers' knock of 40 from 32 came to an end in the 13th over when he played a pull shot and was caught by Michael Neser at long-on.

However, the damage was already done for the Strikers, who suffered the fourth loss of the ongoing 2019-20 season. On the other hand, Heat are currently a place above Strikers with five wins and four losses.

Glenn Maxwell's Melbourne Stars are currently the table-toppers having won eight out of the nine matches they have played so far.

De Villiers will next be action in the BBL on Jan. 17 as Brisbane Heat travel to Adelaide for a reverse fixture.