That's the thing. Often they can't combine all three facets into one outing. But recently, they are bowling consistently at a good level. Yes the conditions have helped, but they are making use of them, which is the most important part.
The inspired performances are far and few between though
That's a bit unfair. You have to remember, they didn't play tests for a whole year. (2008) Then they played Sri Lanka, where they should have won 2-1, (They lost 2-0) but they either collapsed or couldn't take the wickets required. They played well in the series and didn't have their strongest bowling attack. No Asif. I believe they had Rauf bowling with a debuting Aamer. And they still made a good competitive series out of it. It's never easy playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, but had they had Asif and the current Aamer, they would have won. After that they toured NZ and drew 1-1, where as they should have won at Dunedin and lost at Napier, which would still have given them a 2-1 series win. Batting collapsed in Dunedin, but that was a winnable match for sure.
Then came the Australia tour, where there were obvious problems within the team. Despite that, they should have won at Sydney. Again batting collapsed. Doesn't mean they didn't play well. Just a lack of being able to absorb pressure. Again you learn from experience and this is exactly what this side has lacked. Slowly but surely they are getting it.
2-3 in the last five test matches against two of the best test sides in the world in foreign conditions. That's definitely more than mediocre. Yes, they are not at the level of South Africa, England and Australia, but all good things start from somewhere. When Smith was given Captaincy, we struggled with consistency as well. AB De Villiers was like Akmal. Full of talent, but would get out to rash shots. Now look at him. One of the best in the world. This side has talent. What they lacked was an experienced batsman in the middle order, but now they have one and it made a huge difference. The keeper kept well, which kept the bowlers encouraged and made the fielding all round much better. If Pakistan get Younus back and Haider, then this side has a good combination of youth and experience, along with a good bowling attack and a relatively safe keeper who can fight it out with the bat. Just give it time I suppose. The more Pakistan play, the better they will get. Experience is the one thing you can't buy. It just comes naturally. With every loss they learn. It took us four to five years, before we really hit out peak, by beating Australia in Australia. So it takes time. I feel for Pakastani fans. I love watching them play, because they are so fascinating to watch, but they literally want to make you rip your heart out sometimes. But I want them to do well. A good Pakistani side is very good for Cricket... Especially Test Cricket.
