Don't duck the issue

How many times over the past week have you heard reference to the Duckworth Lewis method?

How many times have you listened with mild intent, trying to understand the complexities, only to end the conversation with a shake of your head – none the wiser!

Well, here is my go at trying to fill in the missing spaces.

The major problem with the Duckworth Lewis method, which is used for re-setting targets in modern one-day cricket following intervention of rain, is that basically no one understands it. This naturally prompts people to join the ranks of the critics as they switch off.

In 1997 (yes, six years ago) the ECB introduced this system in an attempt to produce fairer results in rain-affected games. It is now generally accepted by players and administrators, who understand it, as the best method.

What it definitely does do is stop the captain from winning the toss and automatically batting second when precipitation is evident, as was the case prior to 1997. It now opens up a whole new tactical approach for sides chasing totals.

As a basic introduction, the D/L system converts the number of overs remaining and the number of wickets lost into a “resources remaining“ figure. As overs are completed or wickets fall – the “resources remaining” falls. Obviously when a match is interrupted by rain there is often insufficient time left for the full allocation of overs to be completed.

A revised target is essential – one that is fair to both teams in the circumstances. The idea of the D/L is to leave the balance of the match unaltered. Sadly, history has proven this is not always the case but in principle it is effective.

Methods used prior to 1997 critically did not take into account the number of wickets fallen at the crucial intervention time, therefore often handing victory on a plate to the team batting second. The Duckworth Lewis method incorporates this calculation.

I hope I have assisted in simplifying those debates around the office coffee machine.

My only real gripe with this system is that on any given day where potentially millions of viewers could be tuned into the game, no one can predict the outcome of the targets until the computer disk is inserted and the “propeller heads” extract the printout.

Oh yeah one more thing……correct reading of the printout just might be important !!!!

I am still astounded as to the recent farcical scenario that shattered South African dreams.