Frank Duckworth, Co-Inventor of Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method, Dies at 84

Frank Duckworth, the co-inventor of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, passed away on June 21 at the age of 84. The DLS method revolutionized the way rain-affected cricket matches were resolved, providing a fair and consistent approach to setting revised targets.

The DLS method was developed by Duckworth and Tony Lewis in the 1990s. It was first used in international cricket in 1997 and formally adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001. The method calculates a revised target for the team batting second based on the number of overs lost, the wickets taken, and the runs scored by both teams.

In 2014, the method was renamed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after Australian statistician Steven Stern made modifications to the system. Duckworth and Lewis were both awarded MBEs in 2010 for their contributions to cricket.

The DLS method replaced the previous rain rule, which was often criticized for being unfair and inconsistent. The most infamous example of this was the 1992 ODI World Cup semi-final between South Africa and England in Sydney. South Africa was set a target of 22 runs from 13 balls after rain interrupted the match. However, the target was widely considered to be too low, and South Africa lost the match by 19 runs.

The DLS method has been widely praised for its fairness and accuracy. It has been used in numerous rain-affected matches, including the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand.

Frank Duckworth's legacy will live on through the DLS method, which continues to be used in cricket matches around the world. His contributions to the sport have made it fairer and more enjoyable for fans and players alike.

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