ICC introduces latest version of the DLS System
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced several changes to its Code of Conduct rules and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The new changes will be effective from the ODI series between South Africa and Zimbabwe, starting today.
Several reforms, for the longest format of the sport, have also been announced.
Here's all you need to know about the new changes.
Data analysis
How has the DLS data been analyzed?
In its press release, ICC has said, "The current analysis is based on information from 700 ODIs and 428 T20Is, which comprise over 240,000 outcomes of individual deliveries."
The ICC said that average scores in ODIs have seen a rise and thus this overhaul was necessary.
This comes in after following a detailed ball-by-ball analysis of scoring patterns in matches.
Scoring pattern
Scoring pattern an important feature analyzed by ICC
The latest analysis also shows that teams have been able to extend their acceleration patterns for a longer period of time.
This has contributed to an increase in the average scores in ODIs.
While finalizing the updated version, the ICC analyzed the scoring pattern of final 120 deliveries of ODI matches.
Further, both men's and women's international matches were analyzed.
Findings
'Single version of DLS System compatible with all formats'
Keeping its analysis of matches of both women and men in mind, the ICC found out that although the scoring rates are different, the wicket-adjusted resource utilization rates are somewhat identical.
The ICC has thus revealed that a single version of the DLS System is compatible with all formats.
Meanwhile, since the World Cup is in 2019, existing playing conditions weren't changed.
Conduct
Code of Conduct: What are the new reforms?
ICC has introduced four new offenses in the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
Any unfair means to get an advantage will be treated as a Level 2 or 3 offense.
Disobeying the official or loud use of profanity will be treated as a Level 1 breach.
Level 3 offenders can be suspended for 12 ODIs or 6 Tests.
Information
Who will be hearing the charges?
If the breach of conduct is a Level 1, 2, or 3 offense, then the ICC match referee will hear the charges. However, a Level 4 of the same will be taken into account by a Judicial Commissioner.