Tony Lewis of DLS method fame passes away

Tony Lewis, the mathematician, who along with Frank Duckworth, developed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system, passed away on Wednesday (April 1), aged 78.

In 1999, the complex formula was adopted by the ICC for calculating fair run-chases in rain-affected games. The impact that the method has had on the sport is unquantifiable, given the problems that were there before the method came into existence. Despite its complex nature, that has baffled many, the D/L method (or DLS as it is called now) remains the best possible solution for such matches.

After the retirements of Duckworth and Lewis, Steven Stern became the custodian of the method and hence, his name was added to it and is now called the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method or DLS method.

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“Tony’s contribution to cricket is huge,” said Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager – Cricket. “The present day system of resetting targets in international cricket is based on the one developed by him and Frank more than two decades ago. His contribution to the game of cricket will be remembered for years to come and we send our condolences to his family and friends.”

“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 England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Lewis was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010.