A slip of the tongue by skipper George Bailey stole the headlines from the Hobart Hurricane’s thrilling six-wicket BBL win over the Brisbane Heat.

Wearing a microphone for live broadcast during a tense juncture in Friday night’s match at Bellerive Oval, Bailey got worked up in the field as the high-scoring visitors played the latest in a throng of sixes.

While officials seemed to have some trouble locating the ball, a somewhat bemused Bailey offered: “We got a ball? Is that the end of the innings then? Are they declaring?” before letting slip with a “f*** me” just seconds later.

Network 10, and later Bailey, apologised to viewers.

The comment sparked reaction on social media.

“George Bailey is such a polite captain. Those manners.” @taliaualiitia posted on twitter.

But Bailey, who said he doesn’t follow social media, said he’s happy to have given them something to talk about.

“I don’t swear that often,” he told reporters after the match.

“I apologised when I came off the field.

“If it’s a word anyone hasn’t heard, I would be surprised.”

Set a target of 209 for victory the Hurricanes launched a stinging retaliation on the lively Bellerive pitch to hunt down the runs with an over and six wickets to spare.

Hurricanes skipper Tim Paine was awarded man of the match after making 55 runs off 25 deliveries and proving valuable with the gloves.