'Not sure why we...': Shubman Gill breaks silence on pitch access row at Oval
New Delhi: India captain Shubman Gill has finally reacted to the exchange of words between head coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis, terming the exchange 'unnecessary' ahead of the decisive fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. What was it about?
On the evening of the last Test, Gambhir and India's support staff members allegedly walked onto the pitch during a nets session to inspect the surface. Curator Lee Fortis stopped them and asked them to be at least 2.5 metres away from the pitch. Gambhir did not approve of this and complained before batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stepped in to calm him down. What was Shubman Gill's reaction?
Speaking at a press conference, Gill expressed his confusion over the whole episode: 'As long as you are barefoot or wearing rubber spikes, it's common to have a look at the pitch. We've been doing this throughout the tour, and nobody has ever stopped us before. I honestly don't know what all the fuss was about.'
He further added that Gambhir, as the head coach, had every right to inspect the wicket and prepare the team accordingly: 'Coach wanted to see the surface; that's a normal part of planning for any Test match.' Why is it important?
This small flashpoint occurred at a heightened moment in the series. England currently lead 2-1, and India are keen to square the series at The Oval. Entry onto the field a day before the match is normally routine and assists captains and coaches in deciding on their playing XI. What is happening in the Series?
India will once more rely on its star performers delivering in a crisis. The visitors were boosted by the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, but his fitness will depend on conditions and team dynamics. Gill said the team would take a call after having a glimpse of the wicket on match day.
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