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After over 16 seasons after his initial cap, England’s seasoned bowler would be justified in growing weary of the non-stop cricket circuit. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that hectic, monotonous life when talking about the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he says. “You arrive, practice, compete, and move on.”

But his zeal is evident, not merely when he reflects on the near-term prospects of a squad that looks to be blooming under Harry Brook and his personal role within it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Yet while he succeeded in curbing New Zealand’s charge as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 2027 he’ll be close to 40. His great friend and now podcast co‑host 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, six ahead of any other England player. Merely three English cricketers have achieved such T20 international wickets in a single year: Graeme Swann in 2010, Sam Curran in 2022, and Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. But there are still no thoughts of the end; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid declares. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. That fervor for England persists within me. 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’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. 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 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 await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I aim to keep focused on the now – each game separately, each phase gradually – 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 instead of starts: a renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid comments. “There are a few new faces. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, and that’s merely part of the process. 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 all are committed to our goals. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s part and parcel of the game, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for any coming events.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, 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 feels this is a distinct asset of McCullum’s.

“We sense we are a cohesive group,” he expresses. “We enjoy a family-like setting, supporting one another irrespective of performance, if your outing is strong or weak. 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 nice thing to have, everybody’s got each other’s backs 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 quite calm, easygoing, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he aims to generate that climate. Indeed, we are tranquil, we are serene, but we’re making sure that when we go on that pitch we’re focused and we’re going for it. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”