Fnaar said:
Ahem... so I'm sort of right
The word wicket is also sometimes used to refer to the cricket pitch itself. According to the Laws of Cricket, this usage is incorrect, but it is in common usage and commonly understood by cricket followers.
(
wikipedia: wicket)
Absolutely correct.
Umpires become pedantic about it though because they are charged with inspecting both and enforcing laws relating to both so we keep a clear distinction between the two, as do the Laws themselves.
The 42 Laws with all their sub-clauses and ambiguities are difficult enough to keep straight in our heads when split-second decisions are needed on the field without introducing possible distractions. Umpiring training officers are quick to jump on any umpire who uses wicket and pitch inappropriately in conversation with officials or players for this very reason.
But yes, the public and players (who don't understand most of the Laws anyway
) do use the terms interchangeably.
. But you're on a sticky wicket. 
. But you're on a sticky wicket. 
