India’s preparations for the fifth and remaining Check in opposition to England at The Oval witnessed a heated argument between head coach Gautam Gambhir and Surrey’s head groundsman, Lee Fortis, throughout the workforce’s coaching session. The verbal spat, recorded on video, has gone viral, drawing important consideration simply days forward of the fifth Check of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
With England main the five-match collection 2-1, India landed in London following a preventing attract Manchester. Because the gamers and assist employees arrived for an optionally available coaching session at The Oval on Tuesday, the spat escalated when groundstaff reportedly objected to the Indian workforce’s proximity to the match pitch.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified the incident in a press interplay, saying the confrontation started after a member of the groundstaff requested the Indian contingent to face 2.5 metres away from the wicket.
“Actually, one among floor employees got here and mentioned (that we have been required to) stand 2.5 metre from the wicket and ‘go exterior the rope and see the wicket’. I’ve by no means seen one thing like that. No criticism is required for this. Earlier than this recreation, we had an concept that the curator just isn’t the best individual to work with. Being possessive is nice however no a lot. We had joggers on (and) not spikes so there was no hazard,” Kotak instructed the media later.
You go and report no matter you need to report: Gambhir
In response to ESPNcricinfo, Fortis was involved concerning the Indian workforce’s use of the primary sq. and gamers getting too near the pitches, which he needed to avoid wasting for the rest of the English summer season. Nonetheless, the Indian camp discovered the calls for uncommon, particularly as gamers weren’t sporting spikes. Kotak tried to calm the scenario. Nonetheless, Gambhir rapidly exchanged just a few phrases with the curator.
“You go and report no matter you need to report. We can’t harm something. You possibly can’t inform us what to do. You’re simply one of many groundsmen, nothing past,” Gambhir was heard saying.
Kotak confirmed that the Indian workforce wouldn’t be submitting any formal criticism. He additionally identified that the workforce had taken precautions to keep away from damaging the floor.
Get each cricket updates! Observe Us: