BBC warns pundit after sparking outrage with 'Barbie' remark to female cricketer - 'She's blushing now!'

As the action unfolded on the pitch, Hughes spoke with Maitlan Brown on the sidelines for her take on proceedings.

Brown turned her attention to her teammates soon after and revealed: "We watched Barbie the other night altogether and it was really good team bonding and the group is gelling really well together.

"That is the key to success I think in tournaments like this, how well and how quickly you can gel as a group."

Responding to Brown's comment, Hughes joked: "You're a little Barbie yourself ennit, with your blue eyes."

Brown let out an awkward chuckle before Hughes followed his remark up by saying: "She's blushing now."

It didn't take long for fuming viewers to take to social media to express their displeasure at Hughes' comments.

And the BBC has since confirmed it has discussed the moment with Hughes.

"We have spoken to Chris and explained that his comment was not appropriate," a spokesperson told Mail Sport.

GB News has also contacted the BBC for comment regarding Hughes' interview.

Much of the backlash aimed at Hughes came from cricket fans on Twitter who wasted no time in letting him know their thoughts.

One fan raged: "The absolute state of this @BBCSport. 'Batsman', 'You're a bit of a Barbie yourself'.

"So much great young journalistic cricket talent in the UK, and you hire that clown @chrishughes_22, because demographics, innit."

While a second demanded an apology as they added: "Has @chrishughes_22 apologised for this? Hideous!"

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Robbie Shepherd dead: Iconic presenter dies aged 87
  
• Catherine Tyldesley snipes at 'exposure-craving' baker who refused to supply cakes for social media plugs
  
• Amanda Holden strips naked for new TV show in wake of Andrew Tate 'body shaming' saga
  

Meanwhile, a third fan hit out: "Shocking from @chrishughes_22, this. The female players in The Hundred should be getting interviewed about the cricket just like the men, not aggressively flirted at."

And another Twitter user blasted: "What a muppet…really selling short how talented these ladies are with rubbish comments like that…from Love Island to this…"

Elsewhere, another cricket fan fumed: "Not sure interviewing maitlan brown needed to include 'you're a bit of a barbie too with your blue eyes' did it," followed by a puking emoji. (sic)

Hughes hasn't publicly responded to the backlash but did take to the social media site to share an update from the ground.

He shared a photo of the match taking place with the caption: "No words but @thehundred is so good! What an opening day! #TheHundred @BBCSport."