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More than over 16 seasons from his first appearance, the veteran spinner could be forgiven for growing weary of the global cricket grind. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he describes that frantic, repetitive schedule as he mentions the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “Sometimes you don’t get that opportunity when you’re always on tour,” he remarks. “Touch down, drill, perform, and journey.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not only when he talks about the immediate future of a squad that looks to be blooming guided by Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress 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, no action can prevent the passage of time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. 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, just a few months his senior, retired from international cricket last year. But Rashid remains integral: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. Only three English bowlers have taken so many T20 international wickets in a calendar 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 focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid affirms. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. That fervor for England persists within me. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, along the forthcoming path we tread, 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 await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We cannot predict future events. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. Life and the sport are immensely volatile. 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.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but instead of starts: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid comments. “Several new players are present. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s merely part of the process. 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 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 are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for whatever lies ahead.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, 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 expresses. “We feel like a family kind of environment, 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 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 relaxed, chilled out, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he wants to create that environment. 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. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”