Sport: Cricket Country: India Category: Scores & Results

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

Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis put on leave after ECB row

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•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.

Latest Updates

5:07 AMYahoo Sports — Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis who tiffed with Gautam Gambhir in 2025 put on leave after row with ECB employee

What they're saying

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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.
— Yahoo Sports

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