“He’s been outstanding, I’ve been so impressed with him,” said New Zealander McCullum. “I feel like he’s been around the team for three or four years.
“His maturity, his level of organisation off the field is phenomenal, too.
“We’ve also got some players who have done exceptionally well for us over a period of time now and we’re starting to build a bit of talent, which is lovely.”
Smith seems certain to return, so Bethell could possibly pressure Pope, or opener Zak Crawley, who averaged only 8.66 in his six innings in New Zealand.
Of Bethell, Stokes said: “I know there was a lot said about him getting the opportunity up the order.
“I don’t think there will be much said anymore, because that kid can play.”
England had already secured their first series win in New Zealand since 2008, but the defeat in Hamilton was their largest in terms of runs against the Black Caps.
“The series is an amazing result and that shouldn’t be forgotten,” said Stokes. “We hold our hands up. We were nowhere near our best this game.
“We walked out there with the exact same mindset and attitude of the first two games. We just weren’t at our best. We’re OK with that. We know we’re a much better team than what we showed this week.”
England end 2024 with a record of nine wins and eight defeats from their 17 Tests. They won three of their five series ahead of a mouth-watering 2025 that includes hosting India in the summer before a trip to Australia for the Ashes.
Looking towards next year, Stokes said: “Just be excited. It’s great. We love doing what we do. We love the support that we get.
“We see them as opportunities to impress, to show the world what we can do.”