Tony Lewis of DLS method fame passes away
Tony Lewis, renowned in cricket for creating the DLS system, passed away at the age of 78.
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, formerly just the DL method, is used to revise run chases in a fair manner in rain-affected matches. The DL method was adopted by the ICC officially in 1999, after a decade of farcical decisions on rain-interrupted matches.
Frank Duckworth and Lewis introduced the system in 1997. Following its adoption by the ICC, the method has been used to adjudge targets in rain-affected matches. The system was modified and renamed as DLS in 2014, when Australian Steven Stern took over the running of the formula, and made his adjustments to suit the T20 game.
Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis invented the DL method in the 1990s to help cricket manage rain-affected matches
“It is with much sadness that the ECB has learned of the passing of Tony Lewis MBE, aged 78,” the ECB said in a statement.
“Tony, alongside fellow mathematician Frank Duckworth, devised the Duckworth-Lewis method, which was introduced in 1997 and adopted officially by the ICC in 1999. Renamed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method in 2014, the mathematical formula continues to be used in rain reduced limited-overs cricket games across the globe.
“Tony received an MBE for his services to cricket and mathematics in 2010. Cricket is deeply indebted to both Tony and Frank’s contributions to the sport.
“We send our sincere condolences to Tony’s family.”
