The build-up to the final Test of India's tour of England at the Oval has already turned fiery, with the Indian coach Gautam Gambhir involved in a verbal spat with the Oval's curator, Lee Fortis.
Gambhir was told to be unhappy with the way Fortis instructed the Indian camp to stay 2.5m away from the square during their pitch inspection, sparking the confrontation.
England captain Ben Stokes, who will miss the fifth Test, has also weighed in on the clash between the duo ahead of the series decider.
Notably, after their heated exchange on July 29, Gambhir and Fortis were once again seen having an undisclosed conversation during India's final training session for the Test on Wednesday, July 30.
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Here's what Stokes had to say.
READ MORE: India vs England playing XI for 5th Test at the Oval
How did Ben Stokes react to Gambhir's clash with the groundsman?
During the pre-match press conference for the fifth Test, Stokes was asked by a reporter whether the English players and coaches were also asked to stay 2.5m away from the pitch.
Interestingly, Stokes did not really comment on the situation, saying he was unaware of what transpired at the venue on Tuesday. "This is about yesterday. It's hard not to see that stuff, but I wasn't here, so I don't know what happened," said the England captain.
However, despite Stokes not revealing England's conversation with the ground staff, photos and videos of England players shadow batting on the match wicket went viral from the Oval.
England batters shadow batting on the pitch. No 2.5m rule for hosts? pic.twitter.com/wOZqiG00I7
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) July 30, 2025
Brendon McCullum was also spotted standing on the pitch with Fortis even before the situation between Gambhir and the Surrey County staff.