Tony Lewis, who co-developed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system utilised in cricket, has died, the ICC confirmed on Thursday.

Lewis passed away at the age of 78. He developed the original Duckworth-Lewis method alongside fellow statistician Frank Duckworth.

The ICC has used the formula – which calculates the target score for a team batting second in an interrupted limited-overs match – since 1999.

After the retirements of Lewis and Duckworth, Steven Stern became the custodian of the method and his name was added in 2014.

"Tony's contribution to cricket is huge. The present day system of resetting targets in international cricket is based on the one developed by him and Frank more than two decades ago," said ICC general manager Geoff Allardice.

"His contribution to the game of cricket will be remembered for years to come and we send our condolences to his family and friends."