Aussies impressed with AB's stellar ton

Mitchell Starc says AB de Villiers' incredible century off 31 balls was a major talking point in Australia's rooms after the ODI win over India.

As Australia's World Cup preparations continued with a tight win over India, AB de Villiers gave the hosts a reminder of his freakish ability with the bat.

De Villiers blasted a record-breaking century off 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg, setting a new mark for the fastest one-day international (ODI) ton.

The knock of 149 featured 16 sixes and was completed shortly after James Faulkner guided Australia to a four-wicket victory over India with an over to spare.

It may have happened on the other side of the world, but de Villiers' display was not lost on the Australian dressing room.

"The boys are talking about it downstairs, so we are aware of it," Mitchell Starc said at the MCG.

"He's a fantastic player as we all know.

"I've played a little bit with him (in the IPL) and been fortunate enough to be at the non-striker's to see him in full flight."

The Proteas are rated the side most likely to challenge World Cup favourites Australia during the tournament, which starts on February 14 in Melbourne.

Starc laughed that at least they hadn't been drawn in the same pool.

"He's not in our side of the draw for the World Cup, so not someone we have to worry about too much at the moment," Starc said.

David Warner noted on Twitter that de Villiers was "by far" the best player in the world.

West Indian captain Jason Holder saw first hand the destruction that de Villiers is capable of.

"AB really took the game away from us," he said.

"The ball went everywhere, that's what exceptional players do."


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Source: AAP


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