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More than a decade and a half since his debut, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for growing weary of the international cricket treadmill. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that frantic, repetitive schedule as he mentions the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he remarks. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

But his zeal is evident, not merely when he reflects on the near-term prospects of a side that seems to be flourishing 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 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, no action can prevent the passage of 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 close to 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, ended his international cricket career last year. But Rashid remains integral: 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: Swann in 2010, Curran in 2022, and Rashid across 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid affirms. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. 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’. At the moment I haven’t really thought of anything else. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I aim to belong to this side, this roster we possess today, on the next journey we have, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. Hopefully we can experience some wins and win World Cups, all the good stuff. And I anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We cannot predict future events. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. 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 numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but more of origins: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid comments. “Several new players are present. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, and that’s merely part of the process. But we’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, we’ve got world‑class players, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and all are committed to our goals. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s typical in cricket, but we are surely dedicated and completely prepared, for any coming events.”

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 perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he conveys. “We enjoy a family-like setting, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, if your outing is strong or weak. We strive to confirm we follow our ethics in that manner. 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 atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have built. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“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’re making sure that when we go on that pitch we’re focused and we’re going for it. A lot of credit goes to Baz for creating that environment, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”