Groundsman’s revenge at the Oval, and reminders of grim episode that reflects poorly on India’s head coach, and on the power dynamics of elite cricket
Nothing does irony quite like Test cricket. Say what you like about the world’s most desiccated, Miss Havisham-ish team sport, out there trailing around the post-colonial world still dressed in its yellowing wedding dress. It’s definitely got a sense of humour.
On day one of the fifth England-India Test this was expressed in cosmic terms, and a single bold and improbable dramatic arc. Talk about groundsmen a lot. Tell groundsmen they’re nothing. One thing is for sure. You’re going to find yourself spending quite a lot of time watching groundsmen.
Written by Barney Ronay at The Kia Oval
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/31/gambhirs-india-cant-escape-the-fortis-verse-on-rain-hit-day under the title “Gambhir’s India can’t escape the Fortis-verse on rain-hit day”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
