Tensions flared ahead of the fifth and final Test match between England and India at the Oval, as India's head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated argument with the groundsman, Lee Fortis. The incident occurred during India's practice session, two days after their remarkable comeback in the fourth Test at Manchester.
Footage circulating on social media shows Gambhir and Fortis in a face-off, reportedly concerning India's use of the square for practice. The disagreement escalated, with Gambhir seen pointing his finger and telling Fortis, "You don't tell us what we need to do". He also repeatedly said, "You are just a groundsman. You stay in your capacity... You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond".
Reports suggest the argument began when Fortis raised concerns about the ground staff and threatened to lodge a complaint against Gambhir. Gambhir retorted, "You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can't tell us what to do". India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak intervened to mediate, assuring Fortis, "We won't damage anything".
While the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear, it seems to stem from differing opinions on the preparation and usage of the practice pitches. Fortis, who has been recognized as the ECB's grounds manager of the year for the past three seasons, was likely trying to protect the square, given the amount of cricket still to be played there after the international summer. Gambhir, on the other hand, appeared insistent on his team's training requirements and unwilling to be dictated to by the ground staff.
Fortis downplayed the incident, hinting that the pressure surrounding the crucial fifth Test might have contributed to the heightened emotions. "It's a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy," he told Indian media, adding that he doesn't know Gambhir and had never met him before that day. He also stated, "There's nothing to speak about, there's nothing to hide here".
The Board of Control for Cricket in India and Surrey have been contacted for comment. The Oval is expected to have some live grass and provide more pace and bounce than the pitches in the previous matches.
