Local Cricket Bat Maker Jack Konnis Celebrates First International Debut with Jake Weatherald in Ashes Test

In the heart of Norwood, a local cricket bat maker is experiencing an unprecedented milestone in his young career. Jack Konnis, just 22 years old, reflects on a whirlwind week as he stands amidst freshly crafted cricket bats in his workshop. This past week marked a significant achievement: his bat was used by Jake Weatherald during Australia’s opening Ashes Test at Optus Stadium in Perth—a dream come true for the young craftsman.

Konnis’s journey began at the tender age of 15 when he started JK Cricket from his parents’ shed. His commitment to precision and an unwavering passion for his craft have established him a reputation among both local players and international stars. Konnis has not only catered to aspiring cricketers but also welcomed some of the sport’s biggest names, such as Travis Head, Joe Root, and Rashid Khan, into his workshop for bat repairs.

Balancing his time between a demanding job as an occupational therapist and his budding cricket bat enterprise has been no small feat. “Pretty much all day every day I’m working,” Konnis explains. His routine includes working at his therapy job during the weekdays, followed by intense hours in his workshop—Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and often Sundays.

Konnis attributes his business’s inception to humble beginnings in bat repairs. “I wouldn’t have been able to start my brand without repairs. It just wouldn’t have happened,” he states, emphasizing the crucial role those early interactions played in his growth.

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Taking a leap of faith, he rented a small workspace with no assurance of success—a decision he admits was risky. “When I took the space, I was still in uni. The landlord said, ‘Do you want this or I’m putting it on Gumtree.’ I was like… alright,” Konnis recalls with a laugh, acknowledging the uncertainty that accompanied his choice.

Each bat he creates is a testament to his dedication, encompassing everything from handle thickness to personal engravings. “I’m obsessive about detail when I’m really interested in something. I’m still learning with every bat I make,” he remarks, highlighting his continuous quest for improvement.

The pinnacle of his efforts came when Weatherald, who made his Test debut recently, chose Konnis’ ‘enigma’ blade for the international stage. Their connection dates back years when Weatherald first approached Konnis for bat repairs. The professional relationship evolved organically, allowing them to collaborate on bat designs. “He just messaged me… ‘Hey mate, got plenty of time. We could sketch stuff out and create a few designs together,’” Konnis recounts, expressing gratitude for Weatherald’s loyalty amid tempting offers from larger brands.

Weatherald’s switch from the Strikers to the Hurricanes in the Big Bash League has also added to the buzz around him. During the recent Ashes match, he scored 23 runs and hit three boundaries, propelling Konnis’ craftsmanship onto the global cricket scene. Nervously watching from the stands, Konnis described the emotional weight of the moment: “Anyone who didn’t enjoy watching that shouldn’t watch cricket.”

Beyond the excitement of each match, Konnis treasures the personal stories intertwined with every bat. He reflects on Weatherald’s journey, noting the immense growth they both experienced over the years. “He’s grown immensely as a person. Just to see him happy was the highlight of my trip,” Konnis shares.

Konnis also recognizes the significant challenges Weatherald has faced and believes that his story will resonate with many. “He’s climbed back over seven mountains to get where he is… incredibly inspiring not just as a cricketer, but in how he’s fought through hardship,” he asserts.

The recent events have validated Konnis’ years of hard work, risk-taking, and sacrifice. He sees a bright future ahead, expressing a desire to expand his business beyond just manufacturing bats. “I want to create this into a business… not just happening, but something full-time,” he says. His future plans may involve hiring additional help, especially for bat repairs, allowing him to focus solely on crafting.

Even the smallest details are critical to Konnis. He recalled the painstaking effort that went into perfecting logo stickers for left-handed bats, illustrating his commitment to meeting the specific needs of players. “It’s such a small detail, but I obsessed over it,” he admits.

As JK Cricket continues to make strides in the industry, Konnis remains motivated by his passion and the desire to showcase local craftsmanship on an international platform. “I’m in a really unique position— for a small brand to be at that level is quite rare. Right now I’m running on adrenaline,” he says enthusiastically, eager to seize every opportunity.

Looking ahead, Weatherald is set to open the batting once again using his ‘enigma’ blade in the much-anticipated second Test against England, solidifying Konnis’ emerging legacy in the world of cricket bat making.