By Ravi - Jul 31, 2025 05:27 PM
India are set to take on England in the final Test of the five-match series at the Oval, but the match started with an unexpected twist. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Oval chief pitch curator Lee Fortis got into a heated argument in the very first over. The video of their clash has gone viral on social media and is garnering a lot of attention. But who is Lee Fortis really?
The Oval’s chief curator Lee Fortis was telling Indian team and head coach #GautamGambhir to stay 2.5 metres away from this pitch. But Brendon McCullum was allowed to chill right on the middle of the pitch earlier today.
— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) July 29, 2025
This is why @GautamGambhir reacted the way he did. Indian… pic.twitter.com/erSawWESON
Lee Fortis is the Chief Curator of the iconic Kia Oval in London. The stadium is the home ground of Surrey County Cricket Club and a regular venue for high-profile Test matches. Fortis plays a key role in the maintenance of the pitch and practice facilities, ensuring the best playing conditions in line with international standards.
Fortis began his career with Surrey in 2006 as Assistant Chief Groundsman and was promoted to the position of Chief Curator in 2012. His work has received numerous awards, including the Pitch Excellence Award in 2023. In 2024, he won the title of "Best Multi-Day Pitch" for the third consecutive year, a testament to his expertise. Lee Fortis is not just a groundskeeper but a central figure in English cricket. His responsibilities significantly impact match results, player safety and overall playing style.
Lee Fortis was in the news after his on-field argument with Gautam Gambhir. In the viral clip, Gambhir is seen pointing a finger at the curator and saying, "You don't tell me what to do." Later, while speaking to the media, Fortis described Gambhir as angry and indicated that the situation was tense. The incident has sparked debate and now all eyes are on whether any action will be taken.
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