India’s build-up to the fifth and last Test against England at The Oval got ugly when head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in a furious altercation with Surrey head groundsman Lee Fortis. The episode, which occurred during India’s optional practice session, raised eyebrows just two days ahead of the crucial series decider.
According to ESPNcricinfo sources, the altercation originated after Fortis complained that the Indian team and support staff had taken a large section of the main square for practice. His main concern was the maintenance of the pitch, given that The Oval will be hosting further matches throughout the summer, extending into September.
Fortis was said to be uneasy with how near certain Indian players and coaches were to the match field. When assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak tried talking to Fortis about the matter, Gautam Gambhir intervened, and things escalated.
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Gautam Gambhir’s Response to Fortis
Witnesses described the interaction to be a confrontational manner, as it appeared that Gambhir was seen to be aggressively pointing at Fortis during the interaction. Fortis reportedly cautioned Gambhir not to continue with questionable remarks, but that he would report him to the match referee if he continued.
Gambhir responded strongly, stating:
“You stop it. You don’t tell us what we need to do. You don’t tell us what we need to do, okay. You don’t need to tell us. You don’t tell any of my squad what we need to do. You have no right to tell us. You’re just a groundsman, you stay in your capacity. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond. You are just a groundsman.”
His words were very much an expression of frustration at what he perceived as excesses on the part of the ground staff.
Assistant Coach Sitanshu Kotak Responds
Though Sitanshu Kotak avoided commenting specifically about the confrontation, he was annoyed at being required to stay 2.5 metres away from the pitch, considering he wore rubber-soled shoes.
Kotak said:
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“When some of us coaches went to see the wicket, a member of the groundstaff said Stay away at least 2.5 metres, which was a little surprising. Because it is the pitch, the match is starting the day after, it will be a five-day Test, and we’re standing in our joggers, so we felt a little awkward.”
Underlying Concerns About The Oval’s Square
Fortis’s primary argument was based on the preservation of pitch, particularly on neighboring strips available for future games. In his view, even minimal traffic near the square had the potential to harm the turf or disrupt preparation for future fixtures.
Kotak countered the reasoning, however, by observing:
“We were standing there (on the square) with rubber (spikes). You tell me a day after a batsman will be sliding to survive a run-out, a bowler will be sliding to stop the ball, so you tell me; maybe he (Fortis) is thinking we are trying to grow the grass. I mean, I don’t know. He said that we are trying to get this grass (on) the next wicket to the centre wicket. I don’t know how much grass will grow in one da,y and what will happen in the next five days. (We understand) You want your ground to be good, the square to be good, but end of the day it is a cricket pitch.”
Series Context: England Leads 2-1
The fifth Test, starting July 31, is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy decider, with England 2-1 ahead in the series. The exchange between Gautam Gambhir and the Surrey groundstaff gives an added, though unwelcome, layer of tension for both teams as they gear up for a high-pressure finale.
Key Takeaways
Gautam Gambhir in a shouting match with The Oval’s head groundsman, Lee Fortis.
The row followed issues with the Indian team getting close to the pitch during practice.
Sitanshu Kotak, the assistant coach, called the situation “awkward” and raised the tone and limitations of the groundsman.
The incident may cloud India’s ultimate preparations ahead of looking to level the Test series against England.
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