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More than 16 years since his debut, the veteran spinner would be justified in feeling exhausted by the international cricket treadmill. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he outlines that frantic, repetitive schedule while discussing the group-connecting brief holiday 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.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not merely when he reflects on the near-term prospects of a team that appears to be thriving guided by Harry Brook and his personal role within it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks 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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Rashid reaches 38 years old in February, midway through the T20 World Cup. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 2027 he’ll be approaching 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. Only three English bowlers have taken so many T20 international wickets in a calendar 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 concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid declares. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. I still have that passion there 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, on the next journey we have, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Around the corner things can change very quickly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. 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 more of origins: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid says. “There are a few new faces. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s simply part of the rotation. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we feature top-tier cricketers, we’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and each person supports our objectives. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s part and parcel of the game, but we are surely dedicated and completely prepared, for any coming events.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, 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 believes this is a particular strength of McCullum’s.

“We perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he conveys. “We experience a familial atmosphere, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, 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 great quality, each person defends their teammates 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 is attentive regarding coaching, he’s on it in that sense. And he wants to create that environment. Certainly, we are at ease, we are cool, 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 hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”