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More than 16 years after his initial cap, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for tiring of the non-stop cricket circuit. Now in New Zealand for his 35th global T20 event, he summarises that hectic, monotonous life when talking about the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he states. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not just when he discusses the near-term prospects of a side that seems to be flourishing under Harry Brook and his personal role within it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they aimed to overhaul England’s monumental 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, with his four dismissals covering four of their leading five run-getters, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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Rashid reaches 38 years old in February, midway through the T20 World Cup. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he’ll be approaching 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, ended his international cricket career last year. However, Rashid continues essential: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. Only three English bowlers have taken so many T20 international wickets in a calendar year: Graeme Swann in 2010, Sam Curran in 2022, plus Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his attention stays on defeating rivals, not closing his career.

“Absolutely, I maintain the desire, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid says. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, that’s when you think: ‘OK, right, let’s have a real think about it’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. I hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, on the next journey we have, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We cannot predict future events. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Life and the sport are immensely volatile. I always like to stay present – a game at a time, a step at a time – and allow events to develop, observe where cricket and existence lead me.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but more of origins: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We’re on that journey,” Rashid notes. “A handful of fresh members exist. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s just part of the cycle. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we’ve got world‑class players, we have Brendon McCullum, an excellent coach, and all are committed to our goals. Certainly, there will be obstacles during the journey, that’s typical in cricket, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for whatever lies ahead.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the hiring of ex-All Blacks mental coach Gilbert Enoka, implies a specific concentration on developing additional value from this squad apart from a lineup. and Rashid thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he says. “We experience a familial atmosphere, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, if your outing is strong or weak. We’re trying to make sure we stick to our morals in that way. Let’s ensure we remain united, that cohesion we share, that camaraderie.

“It’s a great quality, each person defends their teammates and that’s the environment that Baz and we are trying to create, and we have developed. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he is diligent in that regard. And he wants to create that environment. Indeed, we are tranquil, we are serene, but we ensure that once we enter the field we are concentrated and we are competing fully. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”