Frank Duckworth, Co-Inventor of Duckworth-Lewis method, passes away at the age of 84

The most debated Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method has changed the course of cricket as the weather had little impact on the outcome of the game with statistics holding a grip on the game. The method has been in use since 1997 and was instrumental in rain-marred games in 2001. The system is known the keep the time lost due to rain in mind and revise a target for the chasing team based on the comparison with the position the other team was in in that particular situation. 

In sad news, one of the three inventors of the DLS method, Frank Duckworth breathed his last on June 21 at the age of 84. The method was initially brought into existence by Duckworth and Tony Lewis. After it was required some statistical changes, Australian statistician Steven Stern provided his service and the system was named as Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system. Both Duckworth and Lewis were awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010.

"I hope this award demonstrates to the outside world that the country believes we have made a useful contribution to the game - a lot of people haven't actually realised we are actual people," Duckworth had said after receiving the award as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"I was thrilled to get the news and it's very satisfying that our solution to the rain-interruption problem on one-day cricket has been recognised in this way,” Lewis had said.

DLS comes with its share of drawbacks

The DLS method has also been termed as the system with its share of errors. The method which is touted as the process that also provides importance to the wickets taken by the defending teams, was called out by Paul Collingwood.

Notably, during the T20 World Cup, West Indies were provided a revised target of 60 runs in 6 overs against 191 runs posted by England.