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More than 16 years after his initial cap, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for tiring of the international cricket treadmill. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he summarises that hectic, monotonous life while discussing 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 land, you train, you play and you travel.”

However, his passion is obvious, not merely when he reflects on the near-term prospects of a team that appears to be thriving with Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they aimed to overhaul England’s monumental 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, as his four-wicket spell claimed almost all of their top five batsmen, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

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Rashid reaches 38 years old in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 2027 he will be nearly 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, stepped away from global cricket the previous year. Yet Rashid stays crucial: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, six ahead of any other England player. Merely three English cricketers have achieved such T20 international wickets in a single year: Swann in 2010, Curran in 2022, and Rashid across 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. But there are still no thoughts of the end; his focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the hunger to play for England and represent 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. In my opinion, if the enthusiasm diminishes, or something similar, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, along the forthcoming path we tread, which ought to be rewarding and I intend to contribute. With luck, we can achieve victories and secure World Cups, all the positive outcomes. And I anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We cannot predict future events. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. Life and the sport are immensely volatile. I prefer to remain in the moment – one match at a time, one stage 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 instead of starts: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid notes. “Several new players are present. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, and that’s just part of the cycle. But we’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, we include elite performers, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and all are committed to our goals. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s part and parcel of the game, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for all future challenges.”

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 feels this is a distinct asset of McCullum’s.

“We perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he says. “We enjoy a family-like setting, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, whether your day is positive or negative. We attempt to ensure we adhere to our principles thus. Let’s guarantee we stay together, that solidarity we possess, that fellowship.

“It’s a nice thing to have, everybody’s got each other’s backs and that’s the culture Baz and we seek to form, and we have created. And ideally, we shall, irrespective of performance outcomes.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, but he is sharp in his mentoring role, he’s on it in that sense. And he aims to generate that climate. 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. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”