The third edition of The Hundred Women’s competition got underway on August 1 with Southern Brave visiting Nottingham to face the Trent Rockets.

India opener Smriti Mandhana starred with the bat in the tournament opener as she slammed 55 off 36 balls to script Brave’s 27-run victory.

The fixture was also marred by a moment of controversy, leaving the cricketing world furious.

During the Brave innings, a pitch side interview of Australian all-rounder Maitlan Brown took place. However, a comment made by the male interviewer during the chat with Brown sparked a controversy.  

The interviewer asked Brown, "Maitlan, I know you're a batsman, but it would be quite nice to sit there without the pads on and see the powerplay tick over."

The interviewer drew flak for his use of the term 'batsman'. However, it was nothing compared to what happened next.

Brown was asked how the time in training camp has been amongst the group so far. To which the Aussie replied: "We got together a few days ago in Southampton, and it was really nice to get together as a group. We played a practice game, and we also went and watched Barbie the other night all together for a bit of team-bonding. The group is gelling really well together."

She also mentioned how the newly-released movie 'Barbie' allowed the players to spend time together. However, her answer was met with a response by the interviewer which many found inappropriate. "You're a little Barbie yourself… aren't you, with your blue eyes?"

The interviewer facing the backlash is Chris Hughes – a former Love Island (the reality show) contestant. A BBC spokesperson later commented on the matter, citing that the broadcasting company had spoken to Hughes and "explained that his comment was not appropriate."

The interviewer is yet to make a public comment or issue an apology on the matter.