Boucher hails De Villiers as world's 'best batsman' in all formats

Former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has branded AB de Villiers as the best batsman in the world at the moment.

Boucher, who is a former teammate of De Villiers, said that any time the batsman gets a 100, it is going to be difficult to stop South Africa from winning, and added that that is why he is the best batsmen in the world, in all formats of the game.

A passionate conservationist, Boucher recently attended the announcement of the joint venture between the Castle Lager Boucher Legacy programme and the Blue Bulls, in an effort to bolster the fight against rhino poaching, Sport24 reported.

His cricket career ended prematurely when he was struck in the left eye by a flying bail during South Africa's tour of England in 2012.

While South Africa held the mantle as the number one Test playing nation, they were ranked third in the 50-over format and a World Cup trophy still eluded them.

Boucher rated South Africa's chances at the next tournament, to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand in February next year, highly providing their key players hit their straps at the right time.

Boucher said that South Africa has got world-class players and, on any given day, if any one of the top six come off, they will win against any side.

The former wicketkeeper said that to have De Villiers in top form is key, adding that there are not too many sides who can bowl to that man at the moment. He said that any cricketer who has any knowledge of the game just needs to look at De Villiers and can see that he is something different.

Boucher said that to have De Villiers in good form would be half the battle won already, adding that he's probably a step ahead of anyone in world cricket.