England's first spinner to take 200 ODI wickets, Adil Rashid has opened up on retirement talks. Rashid said that he has not even thought about his hanging his boots and is focused on keeping fit to play each game and each series for as long as he can.
Rashid achieved the milestone of 200 ODI wickets in the second ODI of the five-match series against Australia. However, England suffered their second consecutive defeat in the series. As England is going through a transitional period, Rashid's aim is to contribute to team's wins.
"I have not thought about it [retirement] yet," said Rashid, on the eve of third ODI against Australia at Chester-le-Street as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. "Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies - that is my ultimate aim.
"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.
"To play for this long and take the wickets I have, I'd never, ever dreamt of that, so hopefully I can carry it on. It's been an enjoyable ride with ups and downs, and hopefully I can stay on the up for the remainder of my career.
"I've got no eye yet on retiring or anything like that - that's not even crossed my mind. It's about enjoying the game and still giving it everything I've got."
Rashid’s increased responsibility in Moeen’s absence
A few senior players from the squad -- Joe Root and Ben Stokes -- are missing alongside an injured Jos Buttler. With Moeen Ali retiring ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, Rashid has more responsibility on his shoulders in the dressing room. He wants to pass on his knowledge to the youngsters coming into the team during this period.
"With Mo (Moeen) not being there my input will obviously be a little bit more, speaking to the youngsters and them coming to me," he added.
"That's the ultimate aim. Whatever I've got in terms of experience, form, ups and downs, the knowledge I have, I can pass that on. It could be in terms of mindset or technical things. I'm trying to do that now as well, with the youngsters I'm working with.
"I've worked with Rehan Ahmed, I've worked with Jafer (Chohan) at Yorkshire. There's a few around the circuit, they're in competition, which is healthy, and they can compete to become that No. 1 spinner."
36-year-old Rashid is the fourth leg-spinner in ODIs to take 200 or more wickets. His services will be crucial in sub-continent conditions for Champions Trophy 2025.
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