The Nine Network today apologised for broadcasting comments made by Shane Warne, in which he was heard to swear, during last night's one-day cricket match at the SCG in Sydney.

Warne's comments were picked up by a stump microphone.

"We're sorry it got to air. It was definitely not our intention for that type of language to be broadcast," Nine Network Director of Sport Gary Burns said.

"We know Shane would never say that deliberately and that his comments were said in the heat of the battle.

"However, the players are well aware the stump microphones are there and it's unfortunate that occasionally some swearing does get picked up - it's a problem faced by sports broadcasters the world over and not just confined to cricket.

"The stump microphones have been a part of Nine's coverage for over 20 years and are designed to make television viewers feel like they are at the game. We plan to keep using them."

© 2001 Nine Network Australia