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More than a decade and a half after his initial cap, England’s seasoned bowler might be excused for feeling exhausted by the global cricket grind. Now in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he summarises that busy, routine existence 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 remarks. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not merely when he reflects on the upcoming path of a squad that looks to be blooming with Harry Brook and his own place in 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 Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, midway through the T20 World Cup. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he will be nearly 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, merely some months elder, retired from international cricket last year. However, Rashid continues essential: those four dismissals brought his yearly tally to 19, six more than any other Englishman. Just three England bowlers have claimed as many T20I wickets in one 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 focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid says. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, then you reflect: ‘Okay, time to genuinely evaluate it’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, on the next journey we have, which should be pleasant and I wish to participate. Hopefully we can experience some wins and win World Cups, all the good stuff. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Around the corner things can change very quickly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I aim to keep focused on the now – each game separately, each phase gradually – and let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes me.”

In many ways this is no time to be thinking of endings, but rather of beginnings: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid comments. “A handful of fresh members exist. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, 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. 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 any coming events.”

The desire to schedule that Queenstown trip, and the appointment of previous All Blacks mindset trainer Gilbert Enoka, suggests there is a particular focus on creating something more from this group of players than just an XI. and Rashid thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he expresses. “We enjoy a family-like setting, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, you have a good day or a bad day. 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 wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have created. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, 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. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”