• Duckworth-Lewis co-inventor dies

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    The co-inventor of the Duckworth-Lewis rain rule has passed away at the age of 78 years old.

    Tony Lewis and fellow mathematician Frank Duckworth formulated the rule first used for the second ODI played between Zimbabwe and England during the 1996-97 season.

    The rule was formally adopted by the International Cricket Council ahead of the 1999 World Cup.

    Queensland mathematician Steven Stern adjusted the rule in 2014. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method was then used for the 2015 World Cup.

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    Previously, the average rain rule method was used in ODI cricket. However, it didn’t account for wickets lost by the team batting second.

    The Proteas were negatively affected by this rule during the 1992 World Cup. Requiring 22 runs from 13 balls before rain stopped play during the semi-final against England, the target dropped to 22 from one when play resumed.

    Frank Duckworth (left) and Tony Lewis (right)

    ‘It is with much sadness that the England and Wales Cricket Board has learned of the passing of Tony Lewis MBE, aged 78. Cricket is deeply indebted to both Tony and Frank’s contributions to the sport. We send our sincere condolences to Tony’s family,’ read a statement from the ECB.

    Photo: Getty Images

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    SA CRICKET