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After over 16 seasons from his first appearance, Adil Rashid might be excused for growing weary of the non-stop cricket circuit. Now in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that frantic, repetitive schedule as he mentions the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “Sometimes you don’t get that opportunity when you’re always on tour,” he says. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not only when he talks about the near-term prospects of a team that appears to be thriving with Harry Brook and his personal role within it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. Yet while he succeeded in curbing New Zealand’s charge 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, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. By the time the next one‑day international version is played towards the end of 2027 he’ll be close to 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, merely some months elder, ended his international cricket career last year. However, Rashid continues essential: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. 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 focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid affirms. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I still have that passion there for England. I think that when the passion does die down, or whatever it is, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, along the forthcoming path we tread, 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. 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 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 renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid comments. “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 employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and each person supports our objectives. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s part and parcel of the game, but we are surely dedicated and completely prepared, for whatever lies ahead.”

The desire to schedule that Queenstown trip, 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 feels this is a distinct asset of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he conveys. “We experience a familial atmosphere, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, if your outing is strong or weak. 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 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 is attentive regarding coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he wants to create that environment. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, but we confirm that when we step onto the ground we are attentive and we are giving our all. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”