Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir recently had a heated exchange with The Oval pitch curator, Lee Fortis, during a training session in London.
The Heated Exchange
The incident occurred as the Indian team commenced their first practice session at The Oval ahead of their final Test match against England. Visuals captured by the media showed Gambhir in a strong verbal confrontation with a man later identified as Lee Fortis.
Gambhir was reportedly heard yelling, “you don’t tell us what we need to do.” India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, later clarified that the dispute arose when Oval staff instructed the Indian team management to maintain a distance of two and a half metres from the wicket.
This instruction seemingly sparked the argument between Gambhir and Fortis, with reports indicating Fortis threatened to lodge a formal complaint with the match referee.
Who is Lee Fortis?
Lee Fortis holds the crucial position of head pitch curator at The Oval stadium in London. He took on this significant role in 2012, succeeding his predecessor, Bill Gordon.
His responsibilities involve meticulously maintaining the cricket pitch, ensuring it meets the stringent standards required for both domestic and international matches played at the iconic venue.
A Career at The Oval
Fortis has a long-standing history with The Oval. Prior to his current appointment, he served as an assistant head groundsman at the same venue, a role he held until 2006.
After leaving in 2006, he gained further experience by tending to the Honourable Artillery Company ground located in the City of London. His return to The Oval in 2012 marked his elevation to Surrey’s Head of Ground Staff, overseeing all aspects of the ground’s upkeep.
Award-Winning Curator
Fortis is not just a veteran at The Oval; he is also an acclaimed professional in his field. Last year, he received the prestigious award for the best multi-day pitches for the third consecutive year at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) 2024 Grounds Manager of the Year Awards.
This recognition, which earned him the Bernard Flack Memorial Trophy, acknowledges the consistently outstanding quality of his County Championship and Test pitches. In total, Fortis has secured this coveted prize four times since assuming his role in 2012, cementing his reputation as a top-tier pitch curator.
- Gautam Gambhir’s altercation with Lee Fortis stemmed from pitch access rules at The Oval.
- Lee Fortis has been the head pitch curator at The Oval since 2012.
- Fortis is an award-winning groundsman, recognized for the exceptional quality of his pitches.
This incident highlights the intense dynamics and high stakes involved in international cricket, extending even to the interactions between team management and ground staff.
