Last year, Fortis claimed his fourth award -- third in a row -- for the best multi-day pitches at the England and Wales Cricket Board 2024 Grounds Manager of the Year Awards.

The heated exchange is the latest flashpoint in a series filled with emotional flare-ups — from Shubman Gill’s displeasure at England’s delayed re-entry at Lord’s, to the standoff at Old Trafford where Ben Stokes and his team bristled after Indian batters refused an early handshake, prioritizing their batting centuries instead.

Gautam Gambhir clashed with Oval curator Lee Fortis during India’s practice after being told to stay off the pitch. Outrage erupted as old images showed Fortis on the pitch with England coach Brendon McCullum during the Ashes,