Adil Rashid Confirms He Is "Comfortable" Turning Down England's Ashes Call-Up
England's veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid is not willing to put a time frame on his illustrious career in international cricket
England's veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid is not willing to put a time frame on his illustrious career in international cricket, as he aims to continue his spellcasting at the age of 40 or even beyond. Rashid, who will turn 38 next February, has been instrumental to England's success in white-ball cricket since 2015, lifting the 50-over World Cup four years later and then the T20 World Cup in 2022. At 37, the seasoned ball-tweaker is showing no signs of slowing down, scalping nine wickets at a mere average of nine during the 2-1 ODI home series defeat against South Africa.
He will return to the T20I format, hoping to turn around England's fortunes against the Proteas and inspire them to a series win as the Three Lions continue to build the side for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Rashid aims to take it one step at a time and prolong his career in the international circuit for as long as possible.
"I am going all right at the moment. I like to take it a game at a time, a day at a time, and not look too far ahead in terms of World Cups in the years to come. Just let things unfold and let nature take its course. You do have the age factor in the back of your mind about getting to 40, 41, but who knows what can happen in one, two, or three years' time?" Rashid said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"You want to play cricket for as long as possible, as long as the body can hold, and you are performing to a certain level. If I am well, I will try my best. Hopefully, if I keep performing, I can carry on," he added.
While he continues to be a reliable figure in the white-ball formats, he has been a notable absentee in Tests. His last appearance in the red-ball format dates back to January 2019 against the West Indies. With the Ashes looming, Rashid is content with his decision to resist a potential call-up. His friend Moeen Ali reversed his decision to retire and returned in 2023 for the home Ashes series. But Rashid isn't interested in following the same path.
"It would be a no. I am quite comfortable and confident with what I have been doing since I finished with red-ball cricket. I'm sure that won't change as the spinners coming through will put in good performances. I am sure England have got that sorted," Rashid said.
Adil Rashid