The Pitch Curator of the Oval Stadium, Lee Curtis, was the main talking point ahead of the 5th Test due to a difference of opinion between him and India’s Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. Netizens heavily criticised the curator for allegedly being too harsh towards the Indian team, accusing him of not allowing them to assess the pitch while giving England players access to the center of the surface.
However, the result went India’s way as they won the match from the jaws of defeat, defending 34 runs on Day 5 with 4 wickets remaining for England. Thanks to Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna for their excellent bowling, India defeated England by 6 runs to level the series 2-2 and share the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
Also Read: Watch Mohammed Siraj get a rousing welcome in Hyderabad; Oval hero to receive grand felicitation
Coming to the surface at the Oval, it had the typical Test-match balanced wicket, following the pattern of its previous international matches. It played a major role in attracting a full house across all five days and making the audience’s money worth it.
Lee Curtis, one of the renowned curators in the world, opened up after the blockbuster ending to the series.
Did he just transform into a hero from a villain in a matter of seven days? “Well, I was never the villain; I was made into one. Hope you guys enjoyed the show, and the atmosphere was like the IPL. It was a great game,” Fortis said on a lighter note after a busy week at his Oval Office. - as quoted by NDTV Sports
Fortis held the fort and produced one of the best surfaces in this series. While most matches saw conditions favouring batters, the Oval pitch was balanced and well complemented by overcast conditions, creating the perfect Test match scenario.
Meanwhile, Fortis didn’t speak much after the controversy. He stayed quiet and enjoyed the game from the backseat, except for passing comments on Gambhir’s behaviour.
When locals were asked about him, the common reply was simple: Fortis, all seven feet of him, is quite the character.
The Oval had everything while setting the stage for a classic. And quirks aside, don’t be shocked if Fortis walks away with the Best Curator award for a fourth straight year.
Notably, Fortis has already won the Curator of the Year award three times in a row, and it won’t be a big surprise if he bags it again after delivering a balanced and challenging surface at the Oval.
Also Read: “100% With Team India” – Sachin Tendulkar on Jadeja-Sundar Batting Controversy
