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Following a decade and a half since his debut, the veteran spinner might be excused for growing weary of the international cricket treadmill. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that busy, routine existence while discussing the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown with which England started their winter: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he says. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

However, his passion is obvious, not just when he discusses the immediate future of a team that appears to be thriving under Harry Brook and his personal role within it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress 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, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, midway through the T20 World Cup. 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, merely some months elder, stepped away from global cricket the previous year. But Rashid remains integral: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, 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. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the craving to feature for England and symbolize my nation,” Rashid affirms. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, that’s when you think: ‘OK, right, let’s have a real think about it’. At the moment I haven’t really thought of anything else. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, on the next journey we have, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. With luck, we can achieve victories and secure World Cups, all the positive outcomes. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We cannot predict future events. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Life and the sport are immensely volatile. I always like to stay present – a game at a time, a step at a time – and let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but more of origins: a renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid says. “There are a few new faces. 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’ve got world‑class players, we’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and all are committed to our goals. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s inherent to the sport, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for any coming events.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the hiring of ex-All Blacks mental coach Gilbert Enoka, implies a specific concentration on developing additional value from this squad apart from a lineup. and Rashid feels this is a distinct asset of McCullum’s.

“We sense we are a cohesive group,” he says. “We enjoy a family-like setting, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, if your outing is strong or weak. We’re trying to make sure we stick to our morals in that way. Let’s guarantee we stay together, that solidarity we possess, that fellowship.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the environment that Baz and we are trying to create, and we have developed. And hopefully we can, regardless of whether we have a good day or a bad day.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is diligent in that regard. And he aims to generate that climate. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, 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 with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”