Channel 9 have apologised for its "rare and isolated error" that saw Clarke's expletive-filled sledge broadcast after it was picked up by stump microphones.

Nine’s Head of Sport Steve Crawley said the network had not intended to broadcast Clarke's outburst after an audio technician failed to turn down the stump mics when the broadcaster did not go to a scheduled ad break as the opening Commonwealth Bank Ashes Test drew to a close.

“Clarke is an outstanding Australian cricket captain who’s just led his team to a marvellous and historic win. He doesn’t need or deserve that to be tarnished by our error and we of course apologise,” said Crawley.

“It’s obviously a very rare and isolated error on our part, and we’ll do our best to ensure it never happens again.”

Clarke was found to have breached Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to "using language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match".

The incident happened when Clarke made inappropriate gestures and directed an obscenity towards England's James Anderson, which was picked up by the stump microphone - watch it here.

The charge was brought by umpire Kumar Dharmasena and third umpire Marais Erasmus.

On Monday morning, Clarke admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. As such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

All Level 1 breaches for this offence carry a penalty of a warning/reprimand and/or the imposition of a fine up to 50 per cent of the applicable match fee.

After an at times fiery Test match, Clarke said he still believes there is mutual respect among the players on the field.

“I have the utmost respect for the England cricket team, you don’t get to be the number one team in the world, which they did, if you don’t play very good cricket,” Clarke said after Australia’s victory put them one-nil up in the series.

“Through my career there’s always been banter on the cricket field and I cop as much as I give, that’s for sure. I’m not going to go into what was said out on the field, I think it’s part and parcel of the game and I cop my fair share.

“I think I’ve heard a lot worse said on the cricket field than any of the Australian players or the England players have said during this Test match. I certainly understand and respect that there’s a line and that both teams shouldn’t overstep that line, and I hope that hasn’t been the case in this Test match.”

Clarke also received the backing of Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, who said the incident was "regrettable".

"Whilst on-field banter and defence of a team mate is as old as the game itself, there can be a fine line between gamesmanship and a Code of Conduct breach," said Sutherland. "All players have a responsibility to manage their emotions even in the most highly charged situations. Michael agrees with this, has accepted the charge and is now entirely focused on the second Test in Adelaide."