For 22-year-old Jack Konnis, a justice club maker from Norwood, seeing one of his creations used by Jake Weatherald in an Ashes Test was a career highlight.
The Australian nature applied Konnis’ club during the first Test against England at Optus Stadium, marking a proud moment for the South Australian artificer scene.
From Humble Beginnings to Elite Cricket
Konnis launched JK Cricket at just 15, working out of his parents’ shed. “I started by fixing bats for local players and friends,” he recalls. That hands-on approach built the foundation for a reputation in high-quality cricket bat making.
While studying at university, Konnis rented a workshop, a leap of faith without any guarantee of success. “The landlord said, ‘Do you want this or I’m putting it on Gumtree.’
I decided to take the risk,” he says. Over time, Konnis has become the go-to for professional cricketers, including Travis Head, Joe Root, and Rashid Khan.
Balancing his work as an occupational therapist and bat maker, his obsessive attention to detail and personal touch in every bat have become his signature.
Weatherald’s Moment and Personal Connection
Jake Weatherald, recently switching from the Adelaide Strikers to the Sydney Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), made a notable contribution in his Ashes debut, scoring 23 runs and hitting three boundaries.
Watching Weatherald receive his baggy green cap while using Konnis’ bat was a particularly emotional moment for the young craftsman.
Konnis explains that his bond with Weatherald goes beyond cricket. “He has climbed over seven mountains to get where he is,” he says, admiring Weatherald’s perseverance and determination, a journey that mirrors the dedication Konnis pours into every bat he crafts.
The Future of JK Cricket
Looking ahead, Konnis aims to expand JK Cricket into a full-time business. Plans include hiring additional staff for bat repairs so he can focus on crafting top-tier bats, each with unique touches like special stickers for left-handed players.
With Jake Weatherald set to use Konnis ‘enigma’ blade again in the second Ashes Test, the Norwood craftsman has a perfect opportunity to showcase South Australian cricket craftsmanship on the international stage.
Konnis’s story highlights how local talent can make a mark in the global cricket arena, blending traditional bat-making with modern professional sport.
