Network Ten sports reporter Mel McLaughlin has been applauded for her professionalism in the face of inappropriate comments made by Big Bash League cricketer Chris Gayle.

“I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well, that’s why I’m here — just to see your eyes for the first time,” the Melbourne Renegades player told McLaughlin in an interview before Monday night’s match against Hobart.

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“Hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after, don’t blush baby,” the 36-year-old said, before dissolving into laughter.

For the less-poised among us, the response that immediately sprang to mind was to blast 90s girl power anthem ‘Don’t Call Me Baby’ by Australian duo Madison Avenue.

However, without a portable boom box on hand, McLaughlin, 36, was left with nothing but the power of the spoken word.

The seasoned journalist simply responded, “I’m not blushing,” before continuing her line of questioning as if nothing had happened, while her co-hosts chuckled into their microphones.

While McLaughlin has accepted Gayle’s apology and has said she’s ready to “move on” from the incident, we were left wondering if she’d handle things differently given her time over.

After all, we figure the man who refers to himself as ‘Universe Boss’ and has an Instagram account laden with half-naked women, stripper poles and expensive cars could do with a little tough love.

While we applaud McLaughlin’s poised, professional and mature response to an uncomfortable situation, here are some alternatives to her chosen ‘keep calm and carry on’ approach.

I have neither the time nor the crayons to explain why that’s inappropriate.

Where’s Ronda Rousey when you need her?

You want to look into my eyes? Only if I had them in the back of my head.

You are not as bad as people say Chris – you’re much, much worse.

You’ll never be able to live down your reputation, but I see you’re doing your best.

This would be a great time for you to become a missing person.

I’d call you a pea-brain but it would be overstating things.

Gee Chris, at this very moment I’m jealous of all the people who don’t have to interview you.

I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel about that invitation.

I refuse to get into a battle of wits with you because clearly you’re unarmed.

‘Don’t blush baby?’ Do you say that to everyone who doesn’t like you?