Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes has apologised for swearing at a spectator after being dismissed on the opening day of the series-deciding final Test against South Africa.

Key points: Ben Stokes says he was "repeatedly abused" by members of the crowd as he walked off

Ben Stokes says he was "repeatedly abused" by members of the crowd as he walked off Stokes admitted his language was inappropriate and that his reaction was "unprofessional"

Stokes admitted his language was inappropriate and that his reaction was "unprofessional" It's the latest incident to occur this series after Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada were earlier fined for indiscretions

Television cameras picked up Stokes engaging in an altercation with an unidentified fan while leaving the field.

He could be heard saying "come say that to me outside the ground" before branding the fan "four-eyed", bracketing that description with a volley of expletives.

In a statement on Twitter, Stokes said he was subjected to "repeated abuse from the crowd" when he was walking off but admitted "I should not have reacted in that way".

The England team said members of its support staff were also verbally abused during and after play at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Stokes was clearly angered by comments directed at him as he headed for the players' tunnel after being dismissed for just 2. Reports from the ground suggest a comparison was made between Stokes and singer Ed Sheeran.

Stokes turned to his right and pointed in the direction of nearby fans during the verbal altercation. It only lasted a few seconds before he headed up the players' tunnel.

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"I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal," Stokes said.

"I admit that my reaction was unprofessional."

The England team said it was "personal abuse" of Stokes by a fan near the tunnel.

"It is disappointing that a member of the public has gone out of their way to abuse Ben as he was leaving the field," England director of cricket Ashley Giles said.

"In addition to this incident, members of our support staff were subjected to personal abuse during and after the day's play."

England has asked for "enhanced security" at the stadium for the remainder of the Test.

Kagiso Rabada was suspended after a send-off directed at Joe Root. ( Reuters: Siphiwe Sibeko )

England leads 2-1 and can clinch the series with a draw at the Wanderers, which is renowned in South Africa for its raucous crowds.

The 28-year-old Stokes could still find himself in trouble if match referee Andy Pycroft of Zimbabwe decides to take action.

The series has generally been played in a good spirit although there have been two previous flash points.

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was fined and received a demerit point for unleashing a series of swear words at South Africa's Vernon Philander while Philander was batting in the second Test in Cape Town. Buttler's verbals were also heard on the TV coverage.

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is banned for the final Test for a provocative celebration in the face of England captain Joe Root. Rabada was also fined and given one demerit point. The point was his fourth in a two-year period and took him over the threshold and triggered a one-game ban.

Stokes faced criminal trial in Britain over a street brawl outside a nightclub in late 2017. He was acquitted after he said he got involved to defend a gay couple from homophobic abuse. He was fined and banned by the England and Wales Cricket Board for bringing the game into disrepute.

ABC/AP