England 'very, very happy' with 2024, says Stokes

England captain Ben Stokes was in a positive mood as he reflected on his team's performance in 2024, despite a thumping defeat by New Zealand in their final Test of the year.

The tourists lost the third Test to New Zealand by 423 runs in Hamilton, though they had already won the series by winning the first two.

Despite that humbling result, Stokes suggested there was plenty to be positive about as he spoke to the media afterwards.

"We've had a lot of opportunities given to inexperienced guys at this level, who have shown that they have what it takes to not only compete but deliver defining, match-winning moments at the highest level," Stokes told a press conference.

"Gus Atkinson is probably the standout one, what a 2024 he's had since he came into the Test team against West Indies. The numbers that he's managed to stack up at the end of this are just incredible. Everyone knows what they are.

"Brydon Carse again got his opportunity out in Pakistan in the Test team and has just gone from strength to strength from there.

"In particular with the bowling, having Gus and Bash [Shoaib Bashir] in the top three wicket takers, [we're] very, very happy with our 2024."

Beaten in Hamilton, but we come away with a 2-1 series victory. Our first against the Black Caps in New Zealand since 2008. Well played, lads pic.twitter.com/biUdAmrp4c

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 17, 2024

Stokes was referencing the fact that Atkinson (52) and Bashir (49) respectively finished inside the top three Test wicket takers in international cricket, both finishing behind India's Jasprit Bumrah (59).

Batsman Jacob Bethell, meanwhile, was selected for his Test debut on the tour of New Zealand and recorded England's second-fastest debut Test half-century after knocking 50 from 37 balls in Christchurch.

His performance was another positive that Stokes wanted to highlight following the conclusion of the series.

"There were question marks about his [Bethell's] selection in the first game, but I don't think there will be any more with how he's played this whole series," said Stokes.

"He's 21, he's looked completely unflappable in the situations he's found himself in, in a position that he's not got any experience."