Law 11 (Covering the pitch)
1. Before the match
The use of covers before the match is the responsibility of
the Ground Authority and may include full covering if required.
However, the Ground Authority shall grant suitable facility
to the captains to inspect the pitch before the nomination
of their players and to the umpires to discharge their duties
as laid down in Laws 3 (The umpires), 7 (The pitch), 8 (The
wickets), 9 (The bowling, popping and return creases) and
10 (Preparation and maintenance of the playing area).
2. During the match
The pitch shall not be completely covered during the match
unless provided otherwise by regulations or by agreement before
the toss.
3. Covering bowlers' run ups
Whenever possible, the bowlers' run ups shall be covered in
inclement weather, in order to keep them dry. Unless there
is agreement for full covering under 2 above the covers so
used shall not extend further than 5ft/1.52m in front of each
popping crease.
4. Removal of covers
(a) If after the toss the pitch is covered overnight, the
covers shall be removed in the morning at the earliest possible
moment on each day that play is expected to take place.
(b) If covers are used during the day as protection from
inclement weather, or if inclement weather delays the removal
of overnight covers, they shall be removed promptly as soon
as conditions allow.