In a year were ball dominated the bat in test cricket with the lowest average runs per wicket since 1959 with just 27.58, there were still some shining lights with the bat, and plenty of competition for spots within this side with the ball.

Here is The Nightwatchman's Test Team of the Year.

1. DIMUTH KARUNARATNE, SRI LANKA

9 Matches, 743 runs at 46.43, 100's - 1, 50's - 7, HS - 158*

In his seventh year of Test cricket Karunaratne had one of his most productive, albeit without the support from his team-mates. Much like Perera for Sri Lanka in ODI cricket, more often than not it was Karunaratne trying to do it all himself, no more so evident than against South Africa in Galle, when he carried his bat for 158* to turn the first test in what was an unexpected series win for the Sri Lankan's. 2. TOM LATHAM, NEW ZEALAND

7 Matches, 658 runs at 59.81, 100's - 2, 50's - 2, HS - 264*

The Left-Handed Kiwi had a steady year at the top of the order, before polishing it off with scores 264* and 176 in his final two tests of the year against Sri Lanka. His highest test score was one of only two double centuries of the year in Test cricket, which just highlights the dominance that the bowlers had in 2018, however Tom Latham deserves his spot opening the innings for the The NWM XI.

3. KANE WILLIAMSON (c), NEW ZEALAND 7 Matches, 651 runs at 59.18, 100's - 2, 50's - 3, HS - 139

The ever composed New Zealand captain takes the most important spot in the batting order after another successful year in Test cricket. Surely a controversial decision to name Williamson as the Captain of the side over Virat Kohli, Williamson was likely to be the only batsman to challenge Kohli for leading run-scorer had he played as many games, with the New Zealanders average almost 5 runs per innings better than Kohli's. In the end, it was his composure and demeanor on the cricket field which edged out Kohli for the leadership duties.

4. VIRAT KOHLI, INDIA 13 Matches, 1322 runs at 55.08, 100's - 5, 50's - 5, HS - 153

The Indian captain was named our Test batsman of the year, and with numbers like this is no surprise. A purple patch of form lead to Kohli scoring two centuries in England, a tour he has struggled on in the past, as well as a superlative 153 against South Africa at Centurion, before amassing 149 on a tricky Perth wicket against Australia. His ability to score runs in all conditions (and all formats) is undoubted, and is why he is the most valuable batsman in the world right now. 5. HENRY NICHOLLS, NEW ZEALAND

7 Matches, 658 runs at 73.11, 100's - 3, 50's - 3, HS - 162*

The former Sydney Thunder player who had averaged just 31.45 in Test cricket prior to 2018 from 16 matches, finished the year with a career batting average of 43.54. The New Zealand selectors patience, and faith, given to obviously talented batsman is something that Trevor Hohn's and Co. could learn from in Australia. Centuries against Sri Lanka and England at home were not as valuable as his second innings 126* against Pakistan in the UAE, which saw the tourist's win in dramatic circumstances late on Day 5 after giving up a 74 run first innings lead. Expect the 27 year old to have another great year in 2019.

6. TIM PAINE, AUSTRALIA

10 Matches, 493 runs at 35.21, 100's - 0, 50's - 2, HS - 62, 43 Dismissals (41c, 2s)

It's been a whirlwind 15 months for the Tasmanian, who went from contemplating retirement, to Australian Test 'Keeper, and finally Test Captain all within 6 months. Another contentious selection, with Jos Butler only taking the gloves in one test, and the sudden emergence of Rishabh Pant, putting pressure on Tim Paine's spot, I couldn't look past the environment he's had to play under. Taking the captaincy under extreme circumstances, he has been a shining light for Australia. Extremely tidy behind the stumps, no wicket keeper finished in the top 3 for both runs scored and dismissals taken like Paine did. Expect Paine to only get better in 2019, cementing his spot as Australia's number 1 Wicket-Keeper, however, we predict it will be a huge 2019 for Rishabh Pant.

7. JASON HOLDER, WEST INDIES 6 Matches, 336 runs at 37.33, 50's - 2, HS - 74, 33 wickets at 12.39, 5-fors 4, 10-fors 1, BB - 6/59

The West Indian captain grew from strength to strength in 2018, finishing the year with an astounding 33 wickets at just 12.39 per wicket, which included 11-109 against Bangladesh in Jamaica. He also featured in the top 50 batsman in the World, finishing with 336 runs at a respectable 37.33. Undoubtedly, the number 1 all-rounder of 2018 in Test cricket. 8. PAT CUMMINS, AUSTRALIA

8 Matches, 44 wickets at 19.97, 5-fors 2, BB 6/27, 251 runs at 37.29, 50's - 2, HS 63

Despite not technically an all-rounder, Cummins finished the year so strongly with the bat, there were calls from all throughout the world of cricket for Pat Cummins to be recognised as a genuine all-rounder. Cummins emerged from the shadow that was Hazlewood and Starc to be easily Australia's new spearhead in 2018. Saving his best for last, where he secured both his highest score (63) and best bowling in an innings (6/27) on the same day of the Boxing Day Test. 9. YASIR SHAH, PAKISTAN 6 Matches, 38 wickets at 23.52, 5-fors 3, 10-fors , BB 8/41

Although Nathan Lyon picked up 11 more wickets than the Pakistani leg-spinner, no tweaker did so as economically, or striking as often. His spell of 8/41 against the Kiwi's at Dubai saw the tourists go from 0/50 to 10/90 in the space of just 13.5 overs. He backed it up in the second innings with a further 6 scalps to prove just how dangerous the wristspinner is. 10. KAGISO RABADA, SOUTH AFRICA 10 Matches, 52 wickets at 20.07, 5-fors 2, 10-fors 1, BB 6/54

A breakout year for the 23 year old South African saw him finish the year as the worlds leading wicket taker in Test match cricket. His 11 wicket haul against the Australian's at Port Elizabeth leveled the series before the Australian's self-sabotaged to hand the South African's the series 3-1. Wickets against India and Pakistan at home and Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka proved his versatility to be a match winner in all conditions against any opposition. 11. MOHAMMAD ABBAS, PAKISTAN

7 Matches, 38 wickets at 13.76, 5-fors 3, 10-fors 1, BB 5/33

Abbas managed to pick up 38 wickets from only 7 tests, at the incredible average of just 13.76. The 29 year old picked up 8 wickets in Pakistan’s famous win over England at Lord’s and he was unstoppable against Australia in the UAE where he bagged 17 wickets in just two matches. Another bowler with the potential to exceed expectations again in 2019. 12th Man: JASPRIT BUMRAH, INDIA

9 Matches, 48 wickets at 21.02, 5-fors 3, BB 6/33

After debuting against South Africa at Cape Town, his maiden 5 wicket haul at Johannesburg lead India to a comfortable win and he then became the catalyst for away wins at Trent Bridge, Adelaide and Melbourne, too. After only just missing out in selection in the Test team of the Year, we expect Bumrah to have a bigger 2019 with the red ball in hand.