Surrey’s head groundsman Lee Fortis has once again come into controversy. According to the report, during The Hundred tournament on July 28, he had a heated argument with a staffer of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) at The Oval ground. This staff was helping in preparing the field for the match between MI London and London Spirit to be held the next day. It is being told that after the debate the staff became very emotional and cried. After this, Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy spoke to Fortis, after which he left the field.
Fortis has not been seen at The Oval since this incident and it is reported that he has been sent on leave. Surrey has refused to provide further information on the matter. The club spokesperson said that matters related to the club and its employees are private and confidential, so it would not be appropriate to comment on it. Fortis has been the head groundsman of The Oval since 2012. He has also received the ECB’s Grounds Manager of the Year award three consecutive times between 2022 and 2024.
There was a dispute with Gautam Gambhir also
Lee Fortis came into limelight among Indian cricket fans last year when he had a heated argument with Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir during the England tour. A few days before the fifth Test between India and England, there was an argument between the two regarding the pitch. During this, Gambhir appeared quite angry and told Fortis that he was “just a groundsman”. The video of this incident also went viral on social media.
Sitanshu Kotak had called me arrogant
After this, Indian team’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had called Fortis “arrogant”. At the same time, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill had called this incident “unnecessary”. Gill had said that the coaching staff has every right to go near the pitch and see the wicket. Now after the latest controversy, the future of Fortis is also under question. If he does not return with Surrey, the club may have to appoint a new groundsman. Big matches like Ashes Test and ICC World Test Championship final are to be held in The Oval next year.
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