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[Hads45]

Just wondering how long does it take a cricket pitch to dry out if it rains.
Say it poured all thursday and the pitch was saturated, would there be time to dry it then prepare it friday etc?
Just an example.

cheers

[Coach]

Various factors influence this, temperature, humidity, altitude, soil type, how much prep the pitch has had at the stage it got wet, how wet, what time of day the rain stopped, various things, however you will never get a great wicket with this sort of preparation

[tim2000s]

Seconded. The quick answer is probably no.

Greg also didn't mention wind, which can also influence drying.

[Number5]

In my experience it depends who is scheduled to play at the weekend!  Our Groundsman (a.k.a. God) would have had the covers on anyway, but he'd be down there all day Friday to make sure it was playable if the 1sts or 2nds were at home....it would be declared unfit for the Sunday 3rds even if there was the merest hint of moisture in the air on Friday & Saturday (so God can start preparing the strip for the following weekends 1sts or 2nds match)....and Junior matches....rain within 50 miles, or a cloud on the distant horizon....forget it....you might be the future of the Club, but for now you can "go and put the covers on and then get off my square!" 

[uknsaunders]

yes you could prep a pitch. As mentioned in previous replies, alot depends on the conditions post downpour. If the sun pops out friday and it's warm then it's possible. If the surface is tacky later pm, then it's ideal rolling conditions. Rolling will help bring further moisture to the surface, leading to quicker drying. You'll never get a great track but a slow even pace one is possible, albeit one that moves around a bit. I've played on some cracking tracks that have been wet.