Evan Gray returns from Umpire Exchange Programme

New Zealand umpire Evan Gray recently returned from South Africa where he took part in an umpire exchange programme with Cricket South Africa.

It is the cricket world’s longest established exchange with the relationship between the two countries spanning 12 years.

Gray officiated in two SuperSport four-day fixtures and in return, South Africa’s Brad White visited New Zealand and umpired in two Plunket Shield matches.

New Zealand Cricket National Umpire Manager Rodger McHarg said the programme provided Gray with an excellent opportunity to develop skills through a broad range of experiences.

“New Zealand Cricket is dedicated to providing opportunities for umpires and Evan has made the most of his, building on his experience as a former First-Class player.

“We are keen to encourage more former players to take up umpiring as an extension of their immediate post cricket careers and whilst there are no guarantees it is a huge opportunity to stay involved and contribute to the game.

“Evan is becoming an experienced senior umpire and the chance to further develop his skills in South Africa has assisted his growth. The fact that he got to experience foreign conditions and manage unfamiliar players in unfamiliar surroundings is important in terms of his progress as an umpire of the highest quality.”

Gray, a former New Zealand Test cricketer, took up umpiring five years ago saying he was keen to stay involved in cricket.

When asked about his experience in South Africa Gray said: “It was a great. Not only the standing the matches but the opportunity talk umpiring techniques informally afterward was useful.

“The standard of umpiring in South Africa compares favourably to that in New Zealand,” he added.

New Zealand Cricket has a similar exchange programme in place with Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket.