Groundsman who clashed with Gambhir placed on leave after fresh controversy
Groundsman Lee Fortis is on leave after an altercation with an ECB employee. This incident occurred at The Oval before a Hundred fixture. Fortis previously had a heated exchange with India coach Gautam Gambhir. He has been The Oval's head groundsman since 2012. His future role at the venue remains uncertain.
Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis, who previously engaged in a contentious encounter with India head coach Gautam Gambhir at The Oval, has been placed on leave following a new altercation with an ECB employee. The incident occurred on July 28, a day prior to MI London's fixture against London Spirit at the venue. Fortis was involved in a heated exchange with the employee, leaving the latter in tears.
Following the incident, Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy was seen discussing with Fortis on the field, after which the groundsman left the playing area and has not returned since. The groundsman's absence remains uncertain, with some sources in the English cricket community suggesting that he may not resume his role. Fortis, who has been at The Oval since 2012, is a well-known figure and previously faced criticism from Gambhir for his demeanor, with Gambhir labeling him as "just a groundsman, nothing beyond that."
Fortis has won the ECB's Grounds Manager of the Year award three times from 2022 to 2024, leading Surrey to three consecutive County Championship titles during that period.
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