NewKerala.com

Key Points

England's veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid has no plans to retire anytime soon. The 37-year-old aims to continue playing international cricket until he is 40 years old. He recently confirmed he would turn down a potential Ashes call-up to focus on white-ball formats. Rashid remains a key figure as England builds towards the next T20 World Cup.

Key Points: Adil Rashid Aims to Play Cricket Until 40 Confirms Ashes No

  • Rashid targets playing international cricket until age 40 or beyond
  • He recently took 9 wickets against South Africa in ODI series
  • Confirms he would decline a Test recall for the Ashes
  • Focused on T20 World Cups in India and Sri Lanka
3 min read

England's veteran spinner Rashid hopes to play until 40, confirms he is comfortable turning down Ashes call-up

England spinner Adil Rashid targets playing until age 40, confirms he will turn down an Ashes call-up to focus on white-ball cricket and upcoming T20 World Cups.

"It would be a no. I am quite comfortable and confident with what I have been doing since when I finished with red-ball cricket. - Adil Rashid"

London, September 10

England's veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid is not willing to put a time frame on his illustrious adventures in international cricket as he aims to cast his spell 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 version 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 phase, hoping to turn around England's fortune 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 stride at a time and prolong his endeavours 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 years to come. Just let things unfold and 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, three years' time?" Rashid said, as quoted from 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 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. His friend Moeen Ali reversed his decision to retire and returned in 2023 for the home Ashes. But Rashid isn't interested in following the same suit.

"It would be a no. I am quite comfortable and confident with what I have been doing since when I finished with red-ball cricket. I'm sure that won't come as the spinners coming through will put good performances in. I am sure England have got that sorted," Rashid said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Smart move by Rashid. At 37, preserving his body for World Cups is more important than grinding through Test matches. England need him fit for the T20 World Cup in India next year!
A
Arjun K
Respect his honesty about not wanting to play Tests. Many players would just say yes for the sake of it. Knowing your limits is important in professional sports.
M
Michael C
While I admire his white-ball focus, England could really use his experience in the Ashes. Spinners mature with age and he's at his peak right now. A bit disappointing for Test cricket fans.
S
Shreya B
His stats are incredible - 9 wickets at average of 9! At 37, that's phenomenal fitness and skill. Hope he makes it to 40 and plays the World Cup in India. Would love to watch him bowl in our conditions!
K
Karthik V
Good decision. Test cricket is physically demanding, especially for spinners who have to bowl long spells. White-ball cricket suits his style better at this age. Smart career management! 👍

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50