The Duckworth Lewis Method is an Irish group made up of Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh. It is a side project of Hannon, known for The Divine Comedy, and Walsh, who fronts Pugwash.

Formation and concept

The duo forms in 2008 after Hannon and Walsh meet at the wedding of Father Ted writer Graham Linehan in Ireland. After Walsh asks Hannon to contribute to a Christmas charity record, they discover a shared interest in ELO and cricket and decide to make an album built around the sport. The project takes its name from the Duckworth-Lewis method, the cricket scoring system it is based on.

Releases

Their self-titled debut album is released through Hannon’s own label and reaches number 40 in the UK charts. It is a concept album centred on cricket and features guest contributions from comedians Phil Jupitus, Matt Berry and Alexander Armstrong. The album is nominated for Best Album at both the Ivor Novello Awards and the Meteor awards.

The duo later records Sticky Wickets, released in July 2013 and timed to coincide with the Ashes series held in the UK. The album again includes a range of guest contributors, among them actor Daniel Radcliffe, comedian Stephen Fry and former cricketer and commentator David Lloyd.

Other activity and performances

The pair records a new Irish national anthem for The Irish Times' St. Patrick's Day festival promotions. They also appear at the Latitude and Meltdown festivals before returning to their main bands.