Oval groundsman placed on leave after altercation

Lee Fortis, the head groundsman at The Oval since 2012, has been placed on leave after an altercation with an ECB employee before a Hundred fixture. The incident follows a previous heated exchange with India coach Gautam Gambhir.

The ECB confirmed Fortis is on leave pending an internal review. His future role at the venue remains uncertain.

Fortis has overseen pitch preparation at The Oval for major international matches over the past decade. The latest incident adds to questions about groundstaff conduct at high-profile venues.