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After 16 years since his debut, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for growing weary of the global cricket grind. Now in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he summarises that frantic, repetitive schedule as he mentions the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he says. “You arrive, practice, compete, and move on.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not just when he discusses the near-term prospects of a team that appears to be thriving guided by 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 tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Hagley Oval 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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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, midway through the T20 World Cup. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he will be nearly 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, retired from international cricket last year. Yet Rashid stays crucial: those four dismissals brought his yearly tally to 19, six ahead of any other England player. Merely three English cricketers have achieved such T20 international wickets in a single year: Graeme Swann in 2010, Sam Curran in 2022, and Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his attention stays on defeating rivals, not closing his career.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the craving to feature for England and symbolize my nation,” Rashid affirms. “Personally, I believe that’s the top accomplishment in any athletic field. I still have that passion there 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’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, during the upcoming adventure we face, which should be pleasant and I wish to participate. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I aim to keep focused on the now – each game separately, each phase gradually – and permit matters to evolve, watch where the game and life guide me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but rather of beginnings: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid notes. “There are a few new faces. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s simply part of the rotation. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we feature top-tier cricketers, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and everybody’s buying in to what we’re trying to achieve. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s inherent to the sport, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for all future challenges.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, 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 conveys. “We experience a familial atmosphere, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, whether your day is positive or negative. 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 nice thing to have, everybody’s got each other’s backs and that’s the environment that Baz and we are trying to create, and we have developed. And ideally, we shall, irrespective of performance outcomes.

“Baz is quite calm, easygoing, but he is sharp in his mentoring role, he is diligent in that regard. And he wants to create that environment. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, but we confirm that when we step onto the ground we are attentive and we are giving our all. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”