with the patch on hard level, you will have to position yourself in the right place otherwise you will miss the ball or get an edges. The pitch makes a difference as well. On a greentop with an inswinger for eg you should allow for the swing. the shorter the length the greater the distance it will swing - the same thing with spinners on a dusty pitch. On the other hand if you play for spin on a green top the ball doesnt turn as much and you may end up getting either lbw or bowled or give an edge.