DHAKA, Aug 17, 2025 (BSS) - The rise of Bangladesh's pace bowling left the fast bowlers in a sweet spot of bother of late.

They faced intense competition to cement their place as no pacers seemed to be in off form which can pave the way for others.

Syed Khaled Ahmed only played for Tests and earned a tag as Test specialist. He just played one T20 International in his career so far. Just one T20 could have given an idea that he couldn't hone the art of the format.

But the case is not such straightforward. Rather Khaled played well in the last BPL and Global Super League (GSL) for Rangpur Riders. He had taken 11 wickets in four GSL matches at an average of 7.82 against some teams, who were the champions of their domestic circuit.

But still there is no place of Khaled in T20 team because the other bowlers have been doing consistently well.

"Of course, it is good to have competition, it is positive for any country," Khaled said, accepting his fate.

But he vowed to keep him ready always for the national duty.

"Look, when you will be in the midst of competition, your interest in doing hard yards will increase even more. I am trying to keep myself ready always."

Bangladesh, now have, at least 10 pacers at the disposal who could play in any format of cricket. The team management, however, tries to rotate the bowlers to keep them fit and fresh for every game.

The fitness regime of the pacers has also changed. The fitness was in fact key in Bangladesh's pace bowling revolution.

"In my own case, I can say that I am trying to improve my fitness so that I can compete with others. It motivates me. If I fall behind, I will fall far behind. So I try to stay ahead of others," Khaled said, highlighting the fitness issue.

Taskin Ahmed led the way about fitness. Taskin, often an injury prone bowler and erratic most of the time, changed himself completely during the time of Covid-19. He stressed on fitness and regular gym to change his shape completely.

A fitter Taskin then led Bangladesh's fast bowling revolution.

The likes of Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Shakib are also giving their fitness a priority and it did wonder for them. Hardly those bowlers faced slump of form in the last two years.

Bangladesh are also blessed with the bowler like Hasan Mahmud who has the rare quality of swinging the ball in both ways. Hasan gave a diversity in this bowling attack.

Another bowler Saifuddin, considered as pace bowling allrounder has of late made a comeback to the cricket after a prolonged injury-forced absence. His inclusion further bolstered the pace bowling attack.

Khaled knew it won't be a cake-walk to force his case stronger.

"But what I can do is to perform regularly. Good performance is always noticed," he said.

Regarding his experience of playing franchise cricket outside the country, Khaled added, ''It was a good opportunity. Since it was a global tournament, teams from different countries came here to play."

"There were representatives from five countries. We played with all the teams. I liked that everyone was able to see my game. I tried to perform well. Because, if I do well here, I will get a recognition and everyone will see that I am playing well.''

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also played its part well by bringing up world class fast bowling coaches who eventually shaped Bangladesh's pace bowling attack.

Apart from that the BPL franchisees also hired renowned fast bowling coaches to contribute in this regard.

Khaled was nursed well by former Australian speedster Shaun Tait during his GSL stint.

''I spoke to Shaun Tait. He said one thing, which I also said during the BPL. He told me to play simple and not to get confused," Khaled said.

"Because, when confused, many things get messed up. He told me to be as simple and straightforward as possible."

Khaled also singled out local pace bowling coaches who he thinks shaped Bangladesh's fast bowling.

"I spoke to our local coaches, especially Nazmul bhai and Talha bhai. The day before the game, I also spoke to Nazmul bhai about what is best to do. The local coaches also gave their input for our development."