I think it possible that the meaning of "sticky wicket" is slightly different to those proposed thus far - including that in the URL supplied.

It's possible that "sticky" could refer to the cricket ball's interaction with the pitch/wicket. What I'm driving at is that a completely dry pitch could, if its surface was cracked and uneven (say after a couple of day's play), be regarded as sticky. The ball sticks briefly to it at the time of bouncing - thus giving the unpredictable change in flight so desired by spin and seam bowlers.

It could also refer to the situation a batsman finds himself in when batting on a seaming and turning wicket.

Either way, water on the pitch is irrelevant.

I'd never thought of the phallic connotations - but will do so for ever more!!

stales