England all-rounder Ben Stokes has issued an apology after clashing with a South Africa supporter during the Johannesburg Test.
Stokes, 28, was goaded following his dismissal on day one of the fourth Test at the Wanderers and responded by swearing at a fan.
‘I wish to apologise for my language that was heard on the live broadcast today after my dismissal. I should not have reacted in that way,’ he posted on social media.
‘As I was leaving the playing area, I was subjected to repeated abuse from the crowd. I admit that my reaction was unprofessional and I sincerely apologise for the language I used, especially to the many young fans watching the live telecast around the would.
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 24, 2020
‘Throughout the Tests so far, the support from both sets of fans has been brilliant. One incident will not ruin such a competition series, which we are determined to win.’
Stokes has emerged as England’s most important player since returning to the side following a criminal investigation which saw him found not guilty of affray.
The Durham star played a starring role in England’s historic World Cup triumph last summer, before also impressing in the subsequent Ashes series.
Stokes scored his ninth Test ton in last week’s innings-and-53-run win over South Africa in Port Elizabeth. England are 2-1 up in the series and enjoyed a productive – if not spectacular – start to the fourth Test.
Openers Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley shared an impressive 107-run partnership and, while the hosts fought back with four late wickets, England still reached the close in a healthy position on 192-4.
Following Stokes’ outburst at the Wanderers, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton urged the all-rounder to ‘bite his tongue’ in the face of any future abuse.
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