What happens if it rains in a cricket match and the full quota of overs can’t be played? Well, you fall towards the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method to get the desired results. A lot of cricket fans and sports personalities are still unaware and have hardly understood about the DL method.
But Sportzbio through this article would love to make things clear for the readers. From the history of how the rule started to whether it is good or bad is something we will be talking about. Don’t forget we will also move our heads around how the DL score is calculated.
What Is the DLS Method? Who Invented Duckworth Lewis Method?
The Duckworth-Lewis Stern method is a way to calculate the number of runs you need to score in the second innings of a limited-over game. The DLS method is mainly used when rain or other unforeseen circumstances is appearing in the game.
The founders of the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method are Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis. Both Frank and Tony are English statisticians who found this method in 1997.
It was later in 1999 when the Duckworth Lewis Stern method was accepted by ICC and it was implemented in cricket. In the past, it was called the Duckworth-Lewis Method instead of the Duckworth-Lewis Stern Method.
As Duckworth and Lewis both retired it was Steven Stern who was the custodian of this method. Therefore in November 2014, the DL method was changed to Duckworth-Lewis Stern method.
When was the Duckworth-Lewis Method First Used?
There is quite a debate about when was the Duckworth-Lewis method first used. Although ICC accepted the DL method in 1999 it is believed to have been used in 1996.
The series between Zimbabwe and England was being played in 1996-97 when the DL method was first used to get the results. It took almost a year for ICC to formally accept it and take it forward.
Methods used before DLS was found
This might come as a surprise but various methods were used before the formation of the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method.
However, the inaccurate results of these methods were the reason why two English statisticians found the DLS method. Two methods had their flaws.
Methods that were used before the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method are:
- Average Run-Rate Method
The average run rate method was first used in the 1950’2 and 60’s. The average run rate method came into existence when the game couldn’t be taken into the reserve day with rainfall or other unseen circumstances.
The formula to calculate the Average run-rate method is:
Team 2 new target (Team 1’s average run rate achieved* Overs available to Team 2)+1
- Most Productive Overs Method:
After the failure of the average run rate method, the most productive overs method came into existence. This was also replaced in 1998 when DLS was found.
The most productive over method came into existence in 1992 and was badly criticized. Mainly during the South Africa vs England semifinal.
The process of calculating the most productive overs method was simple:
Team 2’s new target from X remaining overs= Runs scored by Team 1 in their highest scoring X over +1
How does the DLS Method Work?
Well, that is a very tricky and interesting question to answer. To be honest, explaining how the DLS method works is hard. But Sportzbio would love to make it quite easier.
As the Average Run rate method and the Most productive overs method were unable to get the right results, the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method came.
The DLS method took into account the number of overs left along with the overs left in the game and found the right target for a team to chase down.
The full resources refer to the total of 50 overs or 10 wickets of the match. As 50 overs and 10 wickets equals 100% data they are calculated further with the overs and the wickets left when the rain has arrived.
The target for the batting second team depends upon the total percentage of resources used by the other team batting first. Simultaneously the required runs go up and down every over.
A simple formula to calculate the DLS score for a chasing team is
Team 2’s par score Team 1’s score* Team 2’s resources/Team 1’s resource use
Still didn’t understand the DLS method calculating style. Well, you can watch this video to understand better.
Why is Duckworth Lewis Stern Method Important?
There is always a debate about whether the Duckworth-Lewis method is needed or not. To be honest you can’t have a reserve day every time there is rain stoppage.
Although it is understandable in an ICC event for bilateral series or smaller tri-nation tournaments, having a reserve day is tough. The cost of running the game on the second day along with other expenses gets increased.
As a result of that the use of the DLS method is significant, it might be unlucky for one team but the inclement weather is never in the control of anyone. Some tactical changes might appear in the DL method in the future but this is the perfect method for a rain-affected game.
