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More than a decade and a half since his debut, the veteran spinner might be excused for tiring of the non-stop cricket circuit. Now in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he describes that frantic, repetitive schedule when talking about the group-connecting brief holiday in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he remarks. “You arrive, practice, compete, and move on.”

However, his passion is obvious, not only when he talks about the immediate future of a squad that looks to be blooming guided by Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Yet while he succeeded in curbing New Zealand’s charge as they aimed to overhaul England’s monumental 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, with his four dismissals covering four of their leading five run-getters, there is nothing he can do to halt 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 approaching 40. His great friend and now podcast co‑host Moeen Ali, merely some months elder, retired from international cricket last year. However, Rashid continues essential: those four dismissals brought his yearly tally 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, 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 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 feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, then you reflect: ‘Okay, time to genuinely evaluate it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I’ve got that passion, there’s a lot of cricket to be played.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, during the upcoming adventure we face, 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 anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We cannot predict future events. Around the corner things can change very quickly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. 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.”

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 have begun that voyage,” Rashid says. “A handful of fresh members exist. Certain individuals have left, others have arrived, and that’s merely part of the process. But we’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, we’ve got world‑class players, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and each person supports our objectives. Certainly, there will be obstacles during the journey, that’s typical in cricket, but we are surely dedicated and completely prepared, 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 thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he says. “We experience a familial atmosphere, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, you have a good day or a bad day. We attempt to ensure we adhere to our principles thus. 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 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’s on it in that sense. And he aims to generate that climate. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, but we ensure that once we enter the field we are concentrated and we are competing fully. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”