Gautam Gambhir Versus The Oval Groundsman

There are often signs of tension which build up across a long Test series and it was there for all to see as India head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in some heated verbals with the Oval groundsman Lee Fortis on Tuesday.

As with any story like this during a series which is still alive, it has provided plenty of column space, web-clicks and social media views as the latest head to head since it all began last month!

It also knocked Ben Stokes and the delayed end to the fourth Test off the cricket pages, so now we can all look forward to the fifth and final installment of a fascinating series.

So, What Actually Happened?

The issue at The Oval on Tuesday stemmed from what Gautam Gambhir perceived to be unfair treatment of his players and staff when they went to inspect the pitch two days out from the fifth and final Test.

According to reports, England's head coach Brendan McCullum had been allowed to see the pitch close up earlier in the day and Gambhir felt his squad were not being afforded the same privileges as they were told to keep themselves and their ice box a certain distance from the wicket.

As everything is nowadays, the exchange between Gambhir and Fortis was recorded on video and quickly went viral with the former's quips of "you can't tell us what to do" and "you're just the groundsman, nothing beyond" clearly audible!

How Do We Expect This Pitch To Play?

We will look at previous Tests at The Oval shortly, but first let's study what has happened at the two most recent four-day red-ball games in South London - perhaps they will give us clues on what to expect from Thursday onwards.

The Surrey vs Durham game was notable for Dom Sibley hitting 305 alongside centuries for Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence and Will Jacks in the first innings of the game before Alex Lees hit a ton in both innings for Durham alongside his opening partner Emilio Gay who made an unbeaten 156 to easily save the game.

Recent Tests

Although the last two first-class games have ended in draws, we have to go back to 2013, a match which was interrupted by plenty of rain, to find the last Test at The Oval which was shared. In fact, that is the only Test to be drawn in South London from 2008 onwards!

Which Players Will Enjoy The Surface At The Oval

Looking at the pitch and recent form, we have some betting tips to share with you two days before the Test begins.

• Shubman Gill to be Player of the Match - 9.00
• Ravindra Jadeja to be Player of the Match - 9.00
• Joe Root to be Player of the Match - 7.50
• Ben Stokes to be Player of the Match - 8.50
• Jasprit Bumrah to be Player of the Match - 8.00

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