After some inspired bowling performances for the 2nd XI earlier in the season, Ahmed’s exploits earned him an unexpected first-team debut for the tourist match against Australia in September 2005. His efforts proved sufficient to follow that up soon after with his Championship bow in the final match of the campaign at Worcestershire. Impressed at Dennis Lillee’s bowling Academy in Chennai at the start of 2006 to earn a place on the County’s pre-season tour of Cape Town.

A back injury restricted his progress during the following season but he still managed to put in impressive one-day performances against Sri Lanka and Northamptonshire (on his NatWest Pro40 debut).  

Injuries once more hampered the pace man in 2007 but he was able to get a couple more Championship appearances under his belt.