Evan John Gray was born on 18 November 1954 in Wellington, New Zealand. Before moving into officiating, he established himself as a prominent figure in domestic cricket. He remains the only player in New Zealand history to score more than 4,000 runs and take over 350 wickets for his province. One of his most notable domestic performances occurred in the 1981-82 season, when he and Ross Ormiston put on a massive 226-run partnership for Wellington against Central Districts.
Between 1983 and 1988, Gray represented the New Zealand national side as a right-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He played 10 Tests, starting with his debut against England in August 1983 and ending against India in November 1988. His international career also included 10 One Day Internationals, beginning in November 1984. Across his 10 Test matches, he scored 248 runs at an average of 15.50, including one half-century. With the ball, he sent down 2,076 deliveries, taking 17 wickets at an average of 52.11, with best figures of 3/73.
Following his playing days, Gray transitioned into the role of a first-class umpire. Between the 2005-06 and 2010-11 seasons, he officiated 24 first-class matches in his home country. He also spent time as an umpire in South Africa, where he oversaw two additional first-class matches.