Former great reflects on argument between Gautam Gambhir and Oval pitch curator

Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden has shared his thoughts on Gautam Gambhir’s heated exchange with the Oval pitch curator ahead of the fifth Test between India and England.

The incident took place during Team India’s practice session, when the Indian head coach pointed a finger at chief curator Lee Fortis and said, “Don’t tell us what we need to do and you have no right to tell us. You’re just a groundsman.”

Following this, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak spoke with Fortis.

Hayden said Gambhir could have handled the situation more tactfully, though he felt the curator was being overly authoritative.

“They were trying to make things difficult for Gautam Gambhir. This is common in England. I think Gambhir could have chosen better words, but his team was preparing for the most important match of the series,” Hayden commented on All Over Bar The Cricket.

During the same discussion, Greg Blewett also addressed the altercation, noting that curators can sometimes behave oddly, which he finds frustrating even as a commentator.

“When I’m working as a commentator, I’m not allowed anywhere near the pitch. It’s ridiculous. But I agree that Gambhir’s language wasn’t ideal — he could have handled it better,” Blewett said.