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Following over 16 seasons since his debut, England’s seasoned bowler would be justified in tiring of the international cricket treadmill. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he describes that frantic, repetitive schedule while discussing the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown with which England started their winter: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he states. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

But his zeal is evident, not merely when he reflects on 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. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday night, with his four dismissals covering four of their leading five run-getters, no action can prevent the passage of time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, midway through the T20 World Cup. By the time the next one‑day international version is played towards the end of 2027 he’ll be close to 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, just a few months his senior, retired from international cricket last year. But Rashid remains integral: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. Merely three English cricketers have achieved such T20 international wickets in a single year: Graeme Swann in 2010, Sam Curran in 2022, plus Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. But there are still no thoughts of the end; 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. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I still have that passion there for England. 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’. At the moment I haven’t really thought of anything else. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, during the upcoming adventure we face, which ought to be rewarding and I intend to contribute. 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. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. 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 many ways this is no time to be thinking of endings, but instead of starts: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid notes. “A handful of fresh members exist. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, and that’s simply part of the rotation. 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. 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 whatever lies ahead.”

The desire to schedule that Queenstown trip, and the hiring of ex-All Blacks mental coach Gilbert Enoka, suggests there is a particular focus on creating something more from this group of players than just an XI. and Rashid feels this is a distinct asset of McCullum’s.

“We perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he conveys. “We experience a familial atmosphere, 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 make sure we stick together, that unity we have, that brotherhood.

“It’s a great quality, each person defends their teammates 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 quite calm, easygoing, but he is sharp in his mentoring role, he is focused in that aspect. And he aims to generate that climate. Certainly, we are at ease, we are cool, 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 with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”