Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis put on leave after ECB row
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 5:07 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Lee Fortis, head groundsman for Surrey, has been placed on leave following a confrontation with an ECB employee. The heated argument occurred on July 28 during preparations for a Hundred fixture at the Oval, reportedly leaving the ECB staff member in tears. This incident follows Fortis's previous clash with India coach Gautam Gambhir in 2025 over pitch conditions. Surrey has not disclosed details about Fortis's potential return, and his absence comes at a critical time as the team faces relegation battles and scrutiny over pitch quality ahead of major upcoming cricket events.
- •Fortis had a previous clash with Gambhir regarding pitch conditions.
- •The altercation occurred on July 28 before a Hundred match at the Oval.
- •Surrey is currently in a relegation battle, losing three of their last four matches.
- •Fortis has yet to return to his role, with uncertainty surrounding his future.
- 4:05 PMYahoo Sports — The Oval groundsman who clashed with Gautam Gambhir faces new consequences after controversy with ECB official
- 12:18 PMYahoo Sports — Groundsman who clashed with Gautam Gambhir placed on leave after fresh controversy
- 5:07 AMYahoo Sports — Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis who tiffed with Gautam Gambhir in 2025 put on leave after row with ECB employee
"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 head groundsman Lee Fortis, who famously clashed with India coach Gautam Gambhir in 2025, has been put on leave following an altercation with an ECB employee.
"Lee Fortis, the same groundsman who once clashed with Gautam Gambhir over pitch conditions last year, has once again been embroiled in a controversy.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 4:05 PMThe Oval groundsman who clashed with Gautam Gambhir faces new consequences after controversy with ECB official
Lee Fortis, the same groundsman who once clashed with Gautam Gambhir over pitch conditions last year, has once again been embroiled in a controversy.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 12:18 PMGroundsman who clashed with Gautam 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.
- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 5:07 AMSurrey groundsman Lee Fortis who tiffed with Gautam Gambhir in 2025 put on leave after row with ECB employee
Surrey head groundsman Lee Fortis, who famously clashed with India coach Gautam Gambhir in 2025, has been put on leave following an altercation with an ECB employee.
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