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More than a decade and a half since his debut, Adil Rashid could be forgiven for growing weary of the global cricket grind. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he outlines that frantic, repetitive schedule when talking about the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown with which England started their winter: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he states. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

But his zeal is evident, not only when he talks about the upcoming path of a team that appears to be thriving guided by 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 tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, no action can prevent the passage of 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 longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, retired from international cricket last year. However, Rashid continues essential: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, six more than any other Englishman. 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 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 craving to feature for England and symbolize my nation,” Rashid affirms. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. I still have that passion there for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. I’ve got that passion, there’s a lot of cricket to be played.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, on the next journey we have, which should be pleasant and I wish to participate. With luck, we can achieve victories and secure World Cups, all the positive outcomes. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“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 let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes 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 are embarked on that path,” Rashid comments. “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 have Brendon McCullum, an excellent coach, and each person supports our objectives. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s inherent to the sport, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for all future challenges.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, 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 thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he says. “We feel like a family kind of environment, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, whether your day is positive or negative. 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 great quality, each person defends their teammates and that’s the atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have developed. And hopefully we can, regardless of whether we have a good day or a bad day.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he desires to foster that setting. 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. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”