Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has come under fire for a comment that has offended South African viewers watching the first Test at the WACA.

Chappell was commenting on play for Channel 9 when South African rising star Kagiso Rabada skittled the Australian middle order and snared a five-wicket haul.

Chappell was full of praise for the talented 21-year-old and joined fellow commentator Ian Healy in labelling the quick a future superstar of the game.

He said he was stunned by Rabada's raw talent and pace at such a young age.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Unfortunately, Chappell didn't leave it at that.

When Healy asked him how Rabada could have developed such speed in his bowling, Chappell replied: "You'd have to ask all the batsmen in his village".

Rabada grew up in Johannesburg where he attended the prestigious St Stithians Boys College. His father is a neurosurgeon.

The comment did not go unnoticed on social media.