Social media erupted after two contrasting images surfaced regarding pitch access at The Oval. A new photo showing England head coach Brendon McCullum casually standing on the pitch with curator Lee Fortis went viral just hours after India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was denied similar access, leading to allegations of double standards by the England Cricket Board.
Gambhir-Fortis Clash Over Pitch Access Sparks Controversy
The controversy began when Coach Gambhir and the Indian support staff requested to inspect the pitch, but curator Lee Fortis denied their request, resulting in a tense exchange between them that quickly spread online.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Out of Oval Test, Akash Deep in Line for Call-Up
Reports indicate that the confrontation started when Fortis reprimanded the Indian support staff and players for leaving a marked area on the square. He instructed them to stay behind a rope while inspecting the pitch, which escalated tensions between Coach Gambhir and Curator Fortis.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation got out of the hands when Fortis scolded Indian support staff for leaving a cooling box on the square and instructed Gambhir to stay behind the rope while inspecting the pitch. This led to a heated exchange between the two.
Gambhir reportedly told Fortis:
"You don't tell any of us what we need to do. You have no right to tell us. You are just a groundsman — nothing beyond."
Fortis, who has overseen pitches at The Oval for years and has been recognised by the ECB for his work, replied: "I will have to report this." as quoted by Indian Today
Kotak Downplays Pitch Incident
India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak later addressed the incident at a press conference, downplaying the tension:
"When we were looking at the pitch, they sent someone to tell us to stay 2.5 metres away. It was a little surprising. We were wearing joggers. It felt quite awkward. We know curators are a little overprotective and possessive about the square and the ground. What he said about the head coach is his opinion, and I don't want to comment. There is nothing wrong with looking at a wicket wearing rubber spikes."
Also read: 'Joe Root not thinking about surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's all-time Test record'- Jos Buttler
McCullum Photo Sparks Outrage, ECB Yet to Respond
Adding fuel to the fire, the resurfaced image of McCullum interacting freely with Fortis on the very pitch intensified fan outrage, with many calling out what they saw as biased behaviour from the ECB.
The timing of the McCullum photo taken fresh this morning only intensified the debate, with fans questioning why one coach was permitted full access while the other was denied.
As of now, the ECB has not issued an official statement regarding the matter.
On the cricketing side, The Oval pitch remains one of the most highly regarded surfaces in the world, and curator Lee Fortis is known for maintaining the highest standards without compromise.
Also read: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Match on September 14 to Go Ahead Despite Social Media Uproar - Reports
