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Groundsman's Leave After ECB Altercation
28 Aug
Summary
- Groundsman Lee Fortis on leave after clashing with an ECB employee.
- The incident occurred at The Oval on July 28.
- Fortis has won Grounds Manager of the Year award three times.
Surrey groundsman Lee Fortis is currently on leave after an altercation with an ECB employee at The Oval on July 28. The incident, which occurred during preparations for a Hundred fixture, reportedly caused the employee distress.
Fortis, a prominent figure known for his previous heated exchange with India coach Gautam Gambhir, has served as The Oval's head groundsman since 2012. He has received significant recognition, winning the ECB's Grounds Manager of the Year award consecutively from 2022 to 2024.
Following the recent incident, Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy spoke with Fortis on the field. The groundsman has not returned to The Oval since, and his long-term employment status is currently unclear, with speculation that he may not resume his duties.
