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More than 16 years since his debut, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for tiring of the non-stop cricket circuit. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th global T20 event, he describes that busy, routine existence while discussing the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown with which England started their winter: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he states. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

However, his passion is obvious, not just when he discusses the immediate future of a side that seems to be flourishing guided by Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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Rashid reaches 38 years old in February, halfway into 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, just a few months his senior, stepped away from global cricket the previous year. But Rashid remains integral: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. Just three England bowlers have claimed as many T20I wickets in one year: Swann in 2010, Curran in 2022, and Rashid across 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“Absolutely, I maintain the desire, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid declares. “Personally, I believe that’s the top accomplishment in any athletic field. That fervor for England persists within me. I think that when the passion does die down, or whatever it is, 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 aim to belong to this side, this roster we possess today, along the forthcoming path we tread, which ought to be rewarding and I intend to contribute. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I always like to stay present – a game at a time, a step at a time – and let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but more of origins: a renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid notes. “There are a few new faces. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s merely part of the process. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we’ve got world‑class players, we’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and everybody’s buying in to what we’re trying to achieve. Certainly, there will be obstacles during the journey, that’s part and parcel of the game, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for whatever lies ahead.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, and the recruitment of the former All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, suggests there is a particular focus on creating something more from this group of players than just an XI. and Rashid believes this is a particular strength of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he says. “We enjoy a family-like setting, supporting one another irrespective of performance, whether your day is positive or negative. We strive to confirm we follow our ethics in that manner. Let’s guarantee we stay together, that solidarity we possess, that fellowship.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the culture Baz and we seek to form, and we have created. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he’s on it in that sense. And he aims to generate that climate. 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 hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”