The final Test between India and England at The Oval has begun with controversy after India head coach Gautam Gambhir got into a verbal exchange with Surrey’s chief curator, Lee Fortis. The incident, which happened during India’s training session on Tuesday, has triggered a storm over alleged double standards in pitch access.
According to India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, Fortis asked the Indian staff to stand at least 2.5 meters away from the pitch. This directive caught the Indian team off guard, especially since England coach Brendon McCullum and ECB managing director Rob Key had visited the pitch in casual attire the day before without any such restrictions.
Kotak expressed his concern, saying, “Day after, there is a Test match, and we were just looking at the surface wearing joggers, not spikes. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.”
What Led to the Gambhir-Fortis Face-Off
The issue escalated when Fortis reportedly shouted at an Indian support staff member for bringing a cooling box close to the main pitch. This drew a sharp reaction from Gambhir, who said, “You don’t tell any of us what we need to do. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond.” Fortis responded by threatening to report the incident, after which Kotak stepped in to calm things down.
Kotak clarified, “Gautam just said, ‘Don’t talk to our support staff like that.’ Every member of the team is under the coach’s protection.”
Bias or Misunderstanding? Indian Team Stays Quiet
Kotak also pointed out the inconsistent treatment, stating, “England’s staff came in casuals and no one told them where to stand. That made it awkward.”
He added, “It’s a cricket pitch, not an antique. We were very careful. No spikes, no damage. You can protect the pitch, but don’t be arrogant about it.”
Despite some players having warned of Fortis’s tough attitude beforehand, the Indian team has chosen not to lodge a formal complaint. Surrey County Cricket Club has not released an official statement either.
The incident adds more drama to the much-anticipated final Test, with tempers already flaring even before a ball has been bowled.
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