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Following a decade and a half from his first appearance, the veteran spinner might be excused for feeling exhausted by the non-stop cricket circuit. Now in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he outlines that busy, routine existence when talking about the group-connecting brief holiday in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “Sometimes you don’t get that opportunity when you’re always on tour,” he remarks. “Touch down, drill, perform, and journey.”

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, plus when seeing Rashid drill, perform, or spin. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they aimed to overhaul England’s monumental 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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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 will be nearly 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, merely some months elder, ended his international cricket career last year. But Rashid remains integral: those four dismissals brought his yearly tally to 19, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. 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 no plans exist for conclusion; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid says. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. I continue to hold that zeal 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’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. I hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, along the forthcoming path we tread, which should be pleasant and I wish to participate. 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. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I prefer to remain in the moment – one match at a time, one stage at a time – and allow events to develop, observe where cricket and existence lead me.”

In many ways this is no time to be thinking of endings, but more of origins: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid says. “There are a few new faces. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s just part of the cycle. Yet we possess know-how, we have young talent, we include elite performers, 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 are surely dedicated and completely prepared, 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 believes this is a particular strength of McCullum’s.

“We perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he conveys. “We enjoy a family-like setting, supporting one another irrespective of performance, whether your day is positive or negative. 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 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’s on the ball in terms of 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. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”