Having read the recent report in The Telegraph about the altercation between India’s head coach and Lee Fortis, Surrey’s head groundsman, I thought it would be apt to write something about the role of the groundsman and the many issues they face when preparing playing surfaces for international matches.
This is nothing new. Head groundstaff will often contend with delicate situations when it comes to dealing with players and officials.
The Oval pitch being prepared ahead of Day 3 of the final Test
However, for me, it comes down to the fact that we as turf professionals are still in many cases, not respected for the role we undertake as curators of sporting venues.
I personally believe these relationships have improved in recent years, mainly due the fact that our industry associations - the GMA, BIGGA, R&A and the sporting governing bodies - have finally promoted and raised the skills and profile of our role of grounds practitioners.
This alteration has probably come about from the shear pressure that has built up from the results of this Test Match series between India and England. With the final test finishing today at the Oval.
With the test drawn level on two each, this fifth and final match has come down to the wire. This no doubt puts a lot of pressure on both teams and on the ground staff at the Oval.
The importance of this last game probably played a factor with the tensions of the coach.
However, given that may be the case, all players and coaching staff should have a better respect for the ground staff. Lee like all the top curators at the other test venues have a tough job to do, preparing and ensuring the pitch is playable, giving a fair game to both batter and bowler. People forget that this Test pitch has taken well over a year to get ready for this match.
Turf professionals at top sporting venues must be treated and respected in the same light as the players. Until this happens, we will continue to be considered as a second-class citizen - often underpaid and not respected for the work and endeavour we deliver.
The real issue is that there is always going to be tensions between players, coaches and grounds professionals at the highest levels of sport. This isolated spat has been given full media attention to grab headlines.
For me, that can be seen as a positive in one way as it gives us the opportunity to respond and articulate the pressures of a top turf professional. Importantly, it can also help the wider public to understand the role that he or she plays in producing a high-class game of sport.
