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Following over 16 seasons after his initial cap, the veteran spinner might be excused for tiring of the global cricket grind. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that busy, routine existence when talking about the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he says. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

But his zeal is evident, not merely when he reflects on the immediate future of a team that appears to be thriving with Harry Brook and his own place in it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, as his four-wicket spell claimed almost all of their top five batsmen, no action can prevent the passage of time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, midway through 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 longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, just a few months his senior, ended his international cricket career last year. But Rashid remains integral: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, 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. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his attention stays on defeating rivals, not closing his career.

“Absolutely, I maintain the desire, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid declares. “Personally, I believe that’s the top accomplishment in any athletic field. I continue to hold that zeal for England. In my opinion, if the enthusiasm diminishes, or something similar, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. At the moment I haven’t really thought of anything else. I hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, 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’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. 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 allow events to develop, observe where cricket and existence lead me.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but rather of beginnings: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We’re on that journey,” Rashid notes. “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’ve got world‑class players, we’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and all are committed to our goals. Certainly, there will be obstacles during the journey, that’s typical in cricket, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for any coming events.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the hiring of ex-All Blacks mental coach Gilbert Enoka, indicates a special emphasis on building extra from this team beyond a playing eleven. and Rashid thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We sense we are a cohesive group,” he conveys. “We enjoy a family-like setting, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, if your outing is strong or weak. 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 culture Baz and we seek to form, and we have built. And hopefully we can, regardless of whether we have a good day or a bad day.

“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. 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. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”