"I have not thought about retiring or calling it a day any time soon" - England spinner Adil Rashid
England's limited-overs specialist Adil Rashid has declared that he has no plans of retiring anytime soon despite approaching his late thirties. The wrist-spinner has stated that he still harbors hopes of retiring with a few more World Cups under his belt.
The 36-year-old made his limited-overs international debut during the T20 World Cup at home in 2009 against The Netherlands. The veteran had played his last game for England in 2009 until his recall in 2015 when their white-ball revolution began. Rashid has been a constant member of the side ever since his return and found himself consistently among the wickets.
Speaking ahead of the third ODI against Australia, Rashid said he wants to continue playing and is taking every game as it comes. As quoted by BBC, the Yorkshire cricketer stated:
"I have not thought about it yet. Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies - that is my ultimate aim. I have not thought about retiring or calling it a day any time soon. I'm playing each game and each series as it comes and if I'm still enjoying it and performing well, I'll keep carrying on."
During the second ODI against Australia in Leeds, the leggie became only the third England bowler after James Anderson and Darren Gough to take 200 scalps in the format. He currently has 201 wickets in 137 matches.
"There have been big changes, new batters, new bowlers" - Adil Rashid on England's 'rebuilding process'
With England losing to Australia in two consecutive ODIs, the 36-year-old opined that they are in a transition process; hence, will take time to start winning. He elaborated:
"There have been big changes, new batters, new bowlers. It will take time. It will always take time when it is a rebuilding process. We have got every base covered in terms of bowling, batting, and keeping. Everything is there for us. All we have to do now is play the game of cricket, enjoy it, string a few games together of winning and then off we go."
The Englishmen must win the third ODI on Tuesday (September 24) to keep the series alive.