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Following a decade and a half from his first appearance, England’s seasoned bowler might be excused for feeling exhausted by the international cricket treadmill. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he summarises that busy, routine existence as he mentions the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he says. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

However, his passion is obvious, not merely when he reflects on the immediate future of a side that seems to be flourishing with Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval 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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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, halfway into the T20 World Cup. By the time the next one‑day international version is played towards the end of 2027 he’ll be approaching 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, just a few months his senior, ended his international cricket career last year. Yet Rashid stays crucial: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, six ahead of any other England player. Just three England bowlers have claimed as many T20I wickets in one 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.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid declares. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, then you reflect: ‘Okay, time to genuinely evaluate it’. At the moment I haven’t really thought of anything else. I’ve got that passion, there’s a lot of cricket to be played.

“I aim to belong to this side, this roster we possess today, during the upcoming adventure we face, 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 anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. I prefer to remain in the moment – one match at a time, one stage 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’re on that journey,” Rashid notes. “Several new players are present. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s simply part of the rotation. Yet we possess know-how, we have young talent, we’ve got world‑class players, we’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and everybody’s buying in to what we’re trying to achieve. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s typical in cricket, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for all future challenges.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, and the recruitment of the former All Blacks mental skills coach 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 feel like a unit,” 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 make sure we stick together, that unity we have, that brotherhood.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have created. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he is diligent in that regard. 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. A lot of credit goes to Baz for creating that environment, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”