Gambhir involved in altercation with The Oval groundsman ahead of fifth Test
India trail the five-match series 1-2 going into the fifth and final Test match at The Oval starting July 31.
India trail the five-match series 1-2 going into the fifth and final Test match at The Oval starting July 31.
India trail the five-match series 1-2 going into the fifth and final Test match at The Oval starting July 31.
Tension is high in the Indian camp ahead of the fifth and final Test against England set to begin on July 31. A glimpse of it was seen at the venue, The Oval, on Tuesday, as Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chief curator Lee Fortis had a heated exchange.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who intervened to pacify Gambhir, said the altercation took place after "one of the ground staff came and said (that we were required to) stand 2.5 metres from the wicket and 'go outside the rope and see the wicket'".
Gambhir, who is known for his temper, fumed at Fortis, who reportedly said, "I will have to report this". Gambhir gave a terse reply: "You go and report whatever you want to report." Kotak said the Indian squad members were not wearing spikes that could have damaged the playing surface.
Gambhir returned and went after Fortis. "You can't tell us what to do. You are just one of the groundsmen, nothing beyond," Gambhir was seen saying in a video. Fortis later said: "It's a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy."
India made a remarkable comeback in the fourth Test at Manchester to draw and stay alive in the series. England lead the five-match series 2-1.