Latest news with #Key
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Key Concept Strengthens Capabilities with Team Expansion In 2025
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 - Key Concept, a leading interior design firm in Singapore, is proud to announce a strategic team expansion in 2025, marking a significant step in the company's ongoing growth and commitment to cultivating new talent in the interior design industry. This expansion reflects Key Concept's dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers. By creating a supportive and inspiring environment, the firm aims to empower aspiring interior designers—especially recent graduates and career switchers—by offering hands-on experience, creative mentorship, and meaningful career development. With the increasing demand for quality condo interior design, BTO home renovation, and resale flat renovation projects, Key Concept is scaling its team to meet client needs while enriching the industry with fresh perspectives and ideas. Founded with a mission to make quality interior design accessible and personal, Key Concept specialises in transforming everyday spaces into functional and stylish homes. The firm is known for its client-first approach, attention to detail, and innovative solutions tailored to Singapore's unique housing landscape. As part of its forward-looking plans, Key Concept is also excited to announce Key Concept Grand Opening Event, a special event happening this June. More than a showcase, the event celebrates the firm's evolution, creativity, and the vibrant community it serves. Homeowners attending the event can expect exclusive offers, including additional discounts on project sign-ups during the event period. Whether it's modern condo makeovers or thoughtful HDB transformations, Key Concept continues to set the standard in Singapore's interior design landscape—balancing function, style, and individuality through every project.
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Bethell vs Pope for No.3: Rob Key feels Headingley call won't define careers
England's managing director of men's cricket, Rob Key, doesn't feel that the careers of Jacob Bethell and OIlie Pope will be defined by the selection for the Headingley Test against India, starting from June 20. Bethell and Pope are in a direct battle for the No.3 spot for the first Test. Pope recently scored 171 in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, while Bethell impressed everyone with three fifties during the tour of New Zealand. advertisementKey, however, doesn't see the competition as a problem for the England team management and feels it is a win-win situation for the team. The England managing director feels that it would have been an issue if they didn't have good options to fill in the slot. "I don't see it as a problem, really," Key told the Telegraph's cricket podcast. "You win either way, really. You've got two brilliant players that can do that role. Ollie Pope's been fantastic in that tough spot; he played brilliantly in New Zealand alright, he was in a different role, but we've got two brilliant options in those spots." "A tough decision is when you've got no options, and you've got to just then try and find something from nowhere. That's when I'm sort of scratching my head. This one is: 'Which really good player are we going to pick?' It's a good position to be in."'Watching Bethell's development has been extraordinary'advertisementKey said he also had no regrets about having Bethell stay in India to play in the IPL, instead of playing the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. Key feels that England will reap the rewards of Bethell's stay in India in the future. "I don't think [that] the careers of Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell are defined by what happens this week, or whether he came back to play the Zimbabwe Test. He may not have played that Test match," Key said. "Watching his development has been extraordinary, and him going out there and playing in the IPL, I think was brilliant for him. We'll get the return on that in the future."Must Watch
NDTV
3 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
England Team Director Makes Huge Statement On Crucial No. 3 Spot For 1st Test: "It Is A..."
England's team's managing director Rob Key said that the battle for number three spot in the playing XI for first India Test between Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell would not define either player's career and it is a "good position to be in". England will have a huge selection call to take as either Pope or Bethell will bat at the coveted number three spot, and the other one could miss out on being a part of the playing XI completely. Key has framed the call as a decision as to "which really good player" they should pick and said, "It is a good position to be in." During the one-off Test against Zimbabwe earlier in late-May, Pope scored 171 to continue his string of strong showings at number three, scoring 2,024 runs in 28 Tests and 48 innings at an average of 43.06, with seven centuries and fifties each. On the other hand, Bethell slammed three brilliant fifties at the same position against New Zealand last December, a series which saw Pope keeping wickets and shifting down the order to accommodate a player who is being hyped as the team's next superstar. Speaking to the Telegraph's cricket podcast, Key said that it is a win-win situation either way. "You have got two brilliant players who can do that role. Ollie Pope's been fantastic in that tough spot; he played brilliantly in New Zealand... alright, he was in a different role, but we have got two brilliant options in those spots," he said. "A tough decision is when you have got no options, and you have got to just try and find something from nowhere. That is when I am sort of scratching my head. This one is: 'Which really good player are we going to pick?' It is a good position to be in," he added. Bethell missed the Test match against Zimbabwe as he was busy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While ex-English batter Michael Atherton criticised Bethell for preferring franchise over Test cricket, Key said he had no regrets. "I do not think that the careers of Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell are defined by what happens this week, or whether he came back to play the Zimbabwe Test. He may not have played that Test match," Key said. "Watching his development has been extraordinary, and his going out there and playing in the IPL, I think, was brilliant for him. We will get the return on that in the future," he added. Key also suggested the express pacer Mark Wood, currently out due to knee injury, has an outside chance of being picked during the back-end of the series. "He potentially could be ready for the back end," he said. "You may see him by the end of the series, but certainly then when you fast-forward to the Ashes, he should be fine for that," he concluded. The first Test of the five-match series, kickstarting both teams' ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, will start from June 20 onwards. The English squad: Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain, Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
"Don't think careers are defined by...": Rob Key on number three spot battle between Pope, Bethell
Leeds [UK], June 18 (ANI): England's team's managing director Rob Key said that the battle for number three spot in the playing XI for first India Test between Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell would not define either player's career and it is a 'good position to be in'. England will have a huge selection call to take as either Pope or Bethell will bat at the coveted number three spot, and the other one could miss out on being a part of the playing XI completely. Key has framed the call as a decision as to 'which really good player' they should pick and said, 'It is a good position to be in.' During the one-off Test against Zimbabwe earlier in late-May, Pope scored 171 to continue his string of strong showings at number three, scoring 2,024 runs in 28 Tests and 48 innings at an average of 43.06, with seven centuries and fifties each. On the other hand, Bethell slammed three brilliant fifties at the same position against New Zealand last December, a series which saw Pope keeping wickets and shifting down the order to accommodate a player who is being hyped as the team's next superstar. Speaking to the Telegraph's cricket podcast as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, Key said that it is a win-win situation either way. 'You have got two brilliant players who can do that role. Ollie Pope's been fantastic in that tough spot; he played brilliantly in New Zealand... alright, he was in a different role, but we have got two brilliant options in those spots,' he said. 'A tough decision is when you have got no options, and you have got to just try and find something from nowhere. That is when I am sort of scratching my head. This one is: 'Which really good player are we going to pick?' It is a good position to be in,' he added. Bethell missed the Test match against Zimbabwe as he was busy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While ex-English batter Michael Atherton criticised Bethell for preferring franchise over Test cricket, Key said he had no regrets. 'I do not think that the careers of Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell are defined by what happens this week, or whether he came back to play the Zimbabwe Test. He may not have played that Test match,' Key said. 'Watching his development has been extraordinary, and his going out there and playing in the IPL, I think, was brilliant for him. We will get the return on that in the future,' he added. Key also suggested the express pacer Mark Wood, currently out due to knee injury, has an outside chance of being picked during the back-end of the series. 'He potentially could be ready for the back end,' he said. 'You may see him by the end of the series, but certainly then when you fast-forward to the Ashes, he should be fine for that,' he concluded. The first Test of the five-match series, kickstarting both teams' ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, will start from June 20 onwards. The English squad: Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain, Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire). (ANI)
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Rob Key Exclusive: 'Talented players adapt quickly, and it's no different for India. Bazball needs to evolve'
In an exclusive chat with Firstpost, England's Rob Key offered his take on the tactical dynamics of the India vs England series, key players to watch, and why he feels this contest could spark a renewed passion for Test cricket. read more As cricket fans gear up for what promises to be a captivating English summer, England's Managing Director of Men's Cricket, Rob Key, has opened up about the upcoming five-match Test series against a young and evolving Indian side, now led by new skipper Shubman Gill. With the series kicking off at Headingley on 20 June, this contest is far more than just a battle for supremacy — it is a potential stage for future legends to emerge and a reaffirmation of Test cricket's enduring appeal across generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the retirement of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, this series signals a new chapter for both sides. It also marks the beginning of the inaugural Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy — named after two of the game's greatest ambassadors — adding a layer of symbolism to this rivalry. More than that, the series sets the tone for England's challenging year ahead, with an Ashes tour of Australia looming on the horizon. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Key shared his insights on the tactical landscape of the series, the players to watch, and why he believes this contest could ignite a new era of Test cricket passion. IND vs ENG series to start 'belter of a pitch' at Headingley When asked whether starting the series at Headingley was a deliberate tactical decision to exploit familiar English conditions against the visiting subcontinental team, Key offered an intriguing perspective. 'I think a lot of the time, the way grounds are scheduled is decided quite far in advance,' he explained. 'In the 2000s, Headingley could be unpredictable – cracks on the surface, movement under cloud cover, and occasional variable bounce,' Key recalled. 'But in recent years, it's become one of the best batting tracks in the country. Just think back to Ben Stokes' heroics in 2019. It now offers pace and carry, which makes for great viewing and a proper contest.' He expects a 'belter of a pitch' this time, aided by an unusually dry English summer and a lightning-quick outfield. Which Test matches Jasprit Bumrah will miss in England is the biggest question among the fans currently. Image: PTI Before arriving in England, the Indian think-tank publicly announced that Jasprit Bumrah would not feature in all five Tests . Someone of his stature missing part of the series can be a significant morale-booster for the opposition. However, Key emphasised the importance of focusing on the present challenge rather than dwelling on individual absences. 'Whenever Bumrah plays, I just love watching him bowl. He's one of the best in the world – probably one of the best we've ever seen. But from our point of view, it's about facing what's in front of you. Our players will prepare accordingly, but there's no doubt he's a phenomenal talent.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD England expected to rotate bowlers in India series England are entering a new phase, having moved beyond the iconic duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The current focus is on building a sustainable pace unit with flexibility and depth. Key also hinted at potential tactical switches mid-series, based on workload and match conditions. 'With Broad and Jimmy, you could plug them in for five Tests and they'd maintain their pace and skill throughout, much like what [Pat] Cummins and [Josh] Hazlewood do these days,' said the former Kent and England batter. 'Now, with a younger, less experienced bowling attack, we have to be smart about rotation and rest. It's about being ahead of the game — resting when necessary — and having capable replacements ready.' Also Read | India vs England: Key individual milestones that Gill, Jaiswal and other Indians could achieve England's bowling group features young faces like Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, and Jacob Bethell, with Jofra Archer expected to return after the first Test. Asked about the fitness and readiness of this young attack, Key stressed a smart, flexible approach. He also highlighted the opportunity this series presents for new players to announce themselves: 'This is where a number of young players will make their name. It's exciting.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD England's bowling attack includes youngsters like Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse and Jacob Bethell. Image: Reuters Meanwhile, the experienced Chris Woakes is probably England's biggest asset going into this series. He will spearhead their pace attack. 'Chris Woakes is one of the best bowlers in the world when he's performing,' Key responded. 'He's had a huge impact in previous series — he was key to turning the Ashes around when we were two-nil down.' He added a note of cautious optimism while talking about Woakes' future: 'We'll see how he pulls up after this series, but there's no reason why he can't be a fantastic part of the team moving forward.' Key pays tribute to Kohli, Rohit With Kohli and Rohit now retired from Test cricket, Key paid tribute to their immense contribution. 'When you watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, you see players doing things you can only dream of,' he said. 'Their legacy will live far beyond their playing days. They've championed Test cricket and inspired kids in both India and England to love the game.' This influence, he believes, will shape the next generation: 'There will be young players inspired by them who emerge as the stars of tomorrow.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | Key lessons for Shubman Gill and Co from practice games, WTC Final and past tours India's current squad is younger and less experienced in English conditions, leading many to see this as an opportunity for England to assert dominance early in the series. Key, however, urged caution: 'Talented players adapt quickly. It's no different for India — they have promising youngsters, and I love watching how they come through. This is a year where players will make their names on both sides.' England's aggressive, high-risk 'Bazball' approach has redefined the pace and thrill of Test cricket. Asked whether this style will continue against India's disciplined bowling, Key said: 'We look for players who can put bowlers under pressure but also know when to soak it up. It's about evolving the style — sometimes being aggressive, sometimes patient.' He emphasised the need for balance: 'Getting the decision right about when to attack or defend gives you the best chance of success.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Team India faces the tough task of quickly replacing retired stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Image: AFP Key, meanwhile, rejected the notion that Test cricket is in decline. 'We have a brilliant year ahead with this India series, then the Ashes,' he said. 'We've got a brilliant year with a fantastic opportunity of playing against India, who are a great side, the same. Then we play Australia, you know. And then we'd play a very good New Zealand team. Over the next few years, they're going to become a force as well. There is also South Africa who have just won the World Test Championship. So, I think Test cricket hasn't been more watchable than ever over the last two years, and that's because of the ability and the quality of the players on show.' 'IND vs ENG series will inspire young cricketers' The new trophy, named after Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, adds a fresh symbolic dimension to the contest. 'It's fantastic,' Key said. 'Both players mean so much to fans in India and England who grew up watching them. It gives the series an added layer of relevance.' Above all, Rob Key believes this series is more than just a cricket contest — it's an inspiring chapter in the ongoing story of Test cricket. 'Test cricket is about watching extraordinary skill and players rising to the occasion,' he said. 'This series will showcase emerging stars, thrilling contests, and moments that will inspire young cricketers for years to come.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The five-Test saga between England and India, live on Sony Network in India, promises to be a defining moment — a true crucible where the heroes of tomorrow take their first steps into the spotlight, carrying forward the enduring legacy of Test cricket.
