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Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden believes India head coach Gautam Gambhir could have handled his heated exchange with The Oval curator Lee Fortis ahead of the fifth Test against England with more measured language.
The incident occurred during India’s optional training session before the final Test of the five-match series in late July.
Members of the Indian support staff arrived early to inspect the pitch, with Gambhir joining them later alongside his assistant coaches.
Lee Fortis was reportedly unhappy with the Indian players using most of the main square for training and being in close proximity to the pitch.
While speaking with assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak, the curator was interrupted by Gautam Gambhir, leading to a verbal confrontation.
Fortis was heard warning Gambhir not to swear and threatening to lodge a complaint with the match referee.
The groundsman also asked the Indian staff to stay at least 2.5 metres away from the main square, citing footwear concerns, to which Gambhir reacted by repeatedly calling him “just a groundsman” while pointing at him.
Speaking on a YouTube podcast, Matthew Hayden said he could relate to Gambhir’s frustration, recalling his own experiences with protective curators in England.
“I used to sit in the middle and meditate. Often, someone would come up and tell me to move. Curators can get pretty protective around the surface, especially in England,” Hayden said.
“This was a bit of a flex, final Test match, their venue, and they tried to make it difficult for Gautam Gambhir.
“He’s got every right, but he could have toned it down. The reality is, his team was preparing for the most important Test match.”
