Former England skipper Joe Root believes that the heavy roller could be a key factor in helping England cross the target scored by India on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval. England need 35 runs and have six wickets in hand, and Root’s focus was on pitch behavior—and how it could transform with the introduction of the roller.
“We’ve seen how the heavy roller has affected things so far. If it can settle the pitch, that could benefit us tomorrow,” said Root.
As per ICC Test match regulations, the bowling side can employ a light or heavy roller before each inning (except the first one) and each morning too. The heavy roller, weighing over 1 ton, is reported to roll down grass and level the pitch and so potentially reduce seam movement. Depending on circumstances, it can also take moisture off the surface and even help bowlers.
Gambhir vs Groundsman: Pitch-side row at the Oval
Do you know that before day 4, there was a vociferous exchange on the night? Where did Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir have a few choice words to talk to Oval curator Lee Fortis? The situation escalated after Oval curator Lee Fortis directed the Indian support staff to stay at least 2.5 meters away from the pitch area.
At that time, the moment was filmed, with Gautam Gambhir allegedly seen telling Fortis,
“They said to them that you’re just a groundsman—you don’t have any right to tell us what to do.”
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, stepped in instantly. This incident had sparked heated discussion in the net and throughout cricket circles about boundaries, professionalism, and team-to-ground-staff communication.
Fortis Calls Gambhir “Touchy”; Remains Mum on Details
When asked about the confrontation, Fortis brushed it off lightly and called Gambhir “a bit touchy.” He refused to go into details, only saying:
“You’ll have to ask him that.”
Surrey County Cricket Club chose not to release an official statement on the matter. However, the incident has fueled further tension ahead of the final day’s play.
Reactions from Players and Experts
Former Players Defend Gambhir; Call Out “Entitled” Behavior
The brawl drew reaction from former Indian cricketers and media. One of the former India wicketkeepers attributed the English support staff to “entitled behavior” and said that international sides should be treated in a similar manner.
R. Ashwin Says India Thrives Under Pressure
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin played down the distraction, saying that the Indian team performs better under pressure and will not allow off-field problems to get the better of them:
“It becomes a different beast when this team is under pressure. We’ve seen it time and again.”
England Dominate as Root Hits 39th Test Hundred, Brook Smashes Explosive Century
On the fourth day of the match, Joe Root notched up his 39th Test century, while Harry Brook played a blistering knock, hammering 111 runs off just 91 deliveries.
Their 195-run partnership brought England to 339 for 6 at the day’s end, short of a record win by 35 runs.
Root’s solidity and Brook’s aggressive batting turned the tide in England’s favour, leaving India with limited choices going into the last day.
Final Day Shootout: Roller, Pitch, and Pressure
As the Oval Test reaches its last installment, all will be looking forward to the way the pitch will react after it has been rolled, how India performs under duress, and whether off-field tension takes away the focus. The curator, toss choices, and team strategy might all meet to determine the ultimate outcome.
One thing is certain—the off-the-field melodrama has added extra flavor to what is already looking like an intriguing finish.