In 1997 Lewis and fellow mathematician, Frank Duckworth, came up with the Duckworth-Lewis Method in order to calculate fair run-chases during rain-affected cricket matches.

The complex calculation system was adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and it has changed the sport significantly over the past 21-years.

In 2014, the name of Steven Stern, an Australian professor, was added to what is now known as the DLS Method. Stern took over the day-to-day running of the formula and made his own adjustments to reflect modern scoring rates.

The English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news of the Lewis’ passing on Thursday morning via a short statement.

“It is with much sadness that the ECB has learned of the passing of Tony Lewis MBE, aged 78.

“Tony, alongside fellow mathematician Frank Duckworth, devised the Duckworth-Lewis method which was introduced in 1997 and adopted officially by the ICC in 1999.

“Renamed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method in 2014, the mathematical formula continues to be used in rain-reduced limited overs cricket games across the globe.

“Tony received an MBE for his services to cricket and mathematics in 2010. Cricket is deeply indebted to both Tony and Frank’s contributions to the sport.

“The ECB sends its sincere condolences to Tony’s family.”

@MorganPiek OFM Sport