NEW DELHI: Lee Fortis, who worked as Surrey’s head groundsman for more than a years, has actually left the club after dealing with disciplinary procedures over his conduct.The club had actually sent out Fortis on indefinite leave in late July after he had an argument with an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) staff member.
The occurrence took place a day before MI London handled London Spirit in The Hundred at the Oval.Fortis likewise had a strong exchange with Surrey president Steve Elworthy, a previous South Africa quickly bowler, right after the event. He did not go back to work for the remainder of the summer season.
Fortis signed up with Surrey in 2012. His LinkedIn profile now reveals that he left the club in October and is “open to work”A Surrey representative informed Telegraph Sport: “Lee Fortis has left the club and we wish him well for the future.”
Fortis’ earlier clash with Gautam Gambhir
Fortis had actually likewise remained in the news in 2025 after an argument with India head coach Gautam Gambhir. The 2 had an argument over the Oval pitch. Throughout the exchange, Gambhir informed Fortis: “You’re just a groundsman, nothing beyond that.”India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later on called Fortis “arrogant”Fortis, who is around 6ft 10in high, was a widely known face in English cricket. He ended up being Surrey’s head groundsman in 2012 at the age of 30.
His work likewise brought him acknowledgment. He won the leading award at the ECB’s Grounds Manager of the Year Awards 3 years in a row, from 2022 to 2024. Surrey won the County Championship in all 3 seasons.
What caused Fortis being put on leave?
Fortis was understood for speaking straight and securely to his personnel and other individuals at the Oval. The occurrence in July was not the very first time he had actually been associated with an argument.The Cricket Regulator was reported to have actually begun an examination into the matter.
It did not comment when Telegraph Sport called it on Tuesday. The information and findings of the disciplinary procedures have actually not been revealed.
Surrey face look for brand-new groundsman
Surrey will now need to discover somebody to take Fortis’s location. The search comes at an essential time for the club, with the Oval set to host 2 significant Test matches next season.
The ground will stage the World Test Championship last in June, followed by the 5th Ashes Test in late July.Surrey are anticipated to start searching for a replacement in the coming weeks. Gary Barwell of Warwickshire is amongst the names being thought about for the task.The club likewise had a hard 2026 season. After completing in the leading 2 of the County Championship for 4 seasons in a row, Surrey discovered themselves battling to remain in the department towards completion of the project.There was likewise a modification in the training personnel. Gareth Batty left his function as head coach after 5 years and signed up with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.Surrey are searching for a brand-new head coach, however Rory Burns is anticipated to stay captain for the 2027 season. It will be his 10th year as club captain.
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