Gambhir and Oval curator clash in heated exchange ahead of final Test between India and England

Gambhir clashes with Oval curator over pitch access ahead of 5th Test. Curator threatens complaint, India's head coach fires back.

Gautam Gambhir (Image Source: BCCI)

The last and the most important Test match between India and England is just a day away, starting on July 31 at the Kennington Oval, London. The excitement and thrill of the match is on a different level because of the importance it holds. Since the hosts are leading the series 2-1, with just a game left, India's dreams of owning the red-ball series in England are shattered.

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However, India can now win the last match and level the series. Ahead of the magic, head coach Gautam Gambhir had a heated discussion with Surrey's pitch curator Lee Fortis. As per reports, during India's practice session, Gambhir wanted the access to the main square but it was denied. The discussion started on a calmer note but it turned into an arguement soon.

Gambhir also said, "You don't tell us what to do.” Fortis and the ground staff threatened the head coach to file a report against him during their arguement to which he said, "You can go and report to whoever you want, but you can't tell us what to do."

As per reports, "Oval curator Fortis said, "It's a big game, and he (Gambhir) is a bit touchy." However, he didnt show interest in speaking to the Indian journalists who tried to confront him. "No, I don't wanna say anything," Fortis said. "Quite a big game coming up, isn't it? It's not my job to be happy or not with him. I have never met him before today. You saw what he was like this morning. It's okay, I am fine. We have nothing to hide."

After the incident unfolded, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was present at the press conference and spoke to the reporters. ""When we were looking at the pitch. They had sent a man to send a message for us to stay 2.5 m away from the pitch. This was a little surprising. We were wearing joggers. It was 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," Kotak told reporters in the post-match press conference.

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