Cricket gets new rain rule
Rain-hit international matches are set to become fairer with a revision to the Duckworth/Lewis method.
The system has gained plaudits since its introduction worldwide in 1999, despite criticism of its complexity.
But co-inventors Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis found inconsistencies in high-scoring matches.
"The ICC believes that this change ensures that the system is now more accurate in setting targets," said ICC general manager David Richardson.
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People who say they can't understand it are usually people who haven't tried
Frank Duckworth
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With rain threatening in March's World Cup final, India were 145-3 after 23 overs, chasing Australia's 359-2.
But they could still have taken the title simply by scoring 12 runs in the next two overs, had it then rained.
"We have had the answer to this problem available for use for several years," explained Lewis.
"Using the Professional Edition of the D/L method, India would have been 20 runs behind par - a much fairer reflection of the state of the game."
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The key is how to get these 'resource percentages' in the first place, the rest is fairly straightforward
From Narasim
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) will introduce the new Professional Edition for Friday's opening one-day international between Pakistan and South Africa.
The new system is more complicated than the original and will be entirely computerised.
But the existing edition, which can be calculated manually, will still be available for domestic competitions and at grounds without computers.
