Sportskeeda Cricket Awards 2018: Test All-Rounder of the Year

The year went by has seen some of the most enticing cricket matches played through the entire course of 2018. When it was believed that the lack of interest among the fans is a worrying factor for cricket's purest form, 2018 indeed has ended up giving a new lifeline to the format with ever so closely fought Test matches.

When home dominance was becoming a tradition, teams, this year have shown the application to inflict overseas victories.

Be it England's clean sweep against depleted Sri Lankan side in their own backyard, or New Zealand scripting a historic win over Pakistan in UAE, Test cricket has once again spring back to life with a substantial increase in the viewership.

Test cricket was often being underrated especially with the evolution of fast-paced T20 format. It was then a conscious effort to make Test cricket fun again, as we witnessed matches being played on some of the liveliest pitches in recent times. Bowlers were always in the game as batsmen with class and ability persisted while mediocrity failed miserably.

Most matches saw results as batsmanship became difficult and bowlers did most of the damage. In such scenarios, possessing dual skills with bat and ball is an added bonus for every player. As a result, all-rounders enjoyed more success with an opportunity to contribute with both and ball.

With a great bunch of all-rounders in business, we take a look at the winner of Sportskeeda Cricket Award for Best Test all-rounder in 2018 along with the possible contenders:

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#3 Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes is England's all-weather player

After a heart-breaking incident that hurled England's all-rounder in September 2017 to affect his cricketing career, Ben Stokes was out of the cricket setup for more than six months.

His biggest loss saw him miss the action in Australia where his team suffered a major 4-0 Ashes defeat. Despite a series of unlikely events, Stokes came back determined to perform for his side at the International level.

He still is one of the best all-rounders going around in the world. His ability to hit the ball a mighty mile, and love for his bowling, makes him a key player for England in each format of the game.

In ten games for his team in whites this year, Stokes was among the runs with a tally of 537 runs and 22 wickets to his name. He played a major role in their home series victory over India in the 5-match Test series.

Such has been his performances this year, the 27-year old is the third best Test all-rounder in 2018.

#2 Dilruwan Perera

Perera has been the vital cog for Sri Lanka

It is one of those times when you don't want to be a Sri Lankan fan. A team that has failed to fill in the void left by the legends, still finds themselves going through a phase of transition.

A young lot of boys who have come up, have shown glimpses of talent and delivery, but have failed to repeat the feat on a consistent basis. Sri Lanka has been a formidable Test side at their home, but their 3-0 loss against England was a dent to their confidence.

However, despite putting up such a dismal performance, Dilruwan Perera has stood tall to bail his side out from troublesome situations. His records speak volumes of his performance this year.

In 11 games for Sri Lanka in whites, the off-spinner has accounted for 50 wickets, Though it is debatable given he has played most of the games at home or the Sub-Continent conditions. His effectiveness overseas is always viewed with a mark of uncertainty.

But the all-rounder has shown the will to contribute even with the bat. His 236 runs add to his all-round skills to term his as an integral part of the Sri Lankan lineup.

#1 Sam Curran (Sportskeeda Test all-rounder of the year)

Sam Curran was the chief architect in England's series win over India

The 20-year old Surrey lad was a major boost to England's Test side after their dismal Test run earlier this year. With huge home series against India and Pakistan, England was fortunate to hand Curran his Test debut against Pakistan at Leeds.

A perfect exponent of swing bowling and a handy lower-order bat, the younger of the Curran brothers, Sam made the headlines during the Summer of 2018.

He proved to be the major difference for England in their 4-1 triumph over India in one of the most fascinating Test series. It was his lower-order runs with the bat that hurt India and their chances to secure a series win after 11 years.

Such was his impact in the series, that he was adjudged the man of the series for an inspiring show in the four games that he played.

He even continued his good form against Sri Lanka, this time with the bat to show off his skills against spin bowling. In 7 matches for England, Curran amassed 404 runs to go along with his 14 wickets.

It is because of his impact in the series against India and Sri Lanka, he is the deserving winner of Sportskeeda's Award for the Test all-rounder of 2018.