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More than 16 years after his initial cap, the veteran spinner could be forgiven for feeling exhausted by the international cricket treadmill. Now in New Zealand for his 35th global T20 event, he summarises that busy, routine existence when talking about 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 says. “You arrive, practice, compete, and move on.”

But his zeal is evident, not only when he talks about the upcoming path of a team that appears to be thriving guided by Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, plus when seeing Rashid drill, perform, or spin. Yet while he succeeded in curbing New Zealand’s charge as they tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday night, as his four-wicket spell claimed almost all of their top five batsmen, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, midway through the T20 World Cup. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he will be nearly 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, retired from international cricket last year. However, Rashid continues essential: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, six more than any other Englishman. 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 no plans exist for conclusion; his focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“Absolutely, I maintain the desire, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid says. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I think that when the passion does die down, or whatever it is, then you reflect: ‘Okay, time to genuinely evaluate it’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. 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 should be pleasant and I wish to participate. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“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 permit matters to evolve, watch where the game and life guide me.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but instead of starts: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid notes. “Several new players are present. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s just part of the cycle. Yet we possess know-how, we have young talent, we include elite performers, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and each person supports our objectives. Certainly, there will be obstacles during the journey, 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 sense we are a cohesive group,” he says. “We enjoy a family-like setting, supporting one another irrespective of performance, you have a good day or a bad day. 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 environment that Baz and we are trying to create, and we have created. And hopefully we can, regardless of whether we have a good day or a bad day.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he is diligent in that regard. And he desires to foster that setting. Indeed, we are tranquil, we are serene, 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.”