Key Highlights
- Jake Weatherald used a handcrafted cricket bat by JK Cricket in the opening Ashes Test match.
- Jack Konnis, 22, started JK Cricket at just 15 years old and has gained international recognition.
- The partnership between Jack Konnis and Jake Weatherald highlights local craftsmanship on a global stage.
- Konnis’ dedication to detail is evident in every bat he crafts, making each one unique.
Local Craftsmanship Meets International Cricket
In the bustling workshops of South Australia, Jack Konnis has been carving out a niche for himself with his precision and passion. The 22-year-old founder of JK Cricket started his brand in his parents’ shed at just 15 years old and now boasts a reputation for exceptional cricket bats.
Ashes Opening Match: A Milestone Moment
The milestone was reached when Jake Weatherald, the Australian Test cricketer, used one of Konnis’ handcrafted bats in the opening Ashes Test match at Optus Stadium in Perth. This experience was surreal for Konnis, who described it as “crazy” and filled with raw emotion.
From Repairs to International Recognition
Konnis’ journey began by repairing bats for friends and local players. It wasn’t until he took the risk of renting a small workshop that his brand truly started to take off. Konnis recalled, “When I took the space a few years ago, I was still in uni. The landlord said, ‘Do you want this or I’m putting it on Gumtree.’ I was like… alright,” with a laugh.
Personal and Professional Loyalty
The partnership between Konnis and Weatherald is built on mutual respect and loyalty. Weatherald reached out to Konnis professionally when he switched from the Strikers to the Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL). “He just messaged me… ‘Hey mate, got plenty of time. We could sketch stuff out and create a few designs together,’” Konnis said.
Adrenaline-Fueled Growth
Konnis is now running on adrenaline as JK Cricket continues to grow. He envisions hiring more people for the repair side while focusing on making cricket bats full-time. “I’m in a really unique position – for a small brand to be at that level is quite rare,” Konnis said, emphasizing his desire to see local craftsmanship shine globally.
Behind the Bat: Precision and Passion
The journey from humble beginnings to international recognition has been marked by meticulous attention to detail. Each bat crafted by Konnis tells a story, with Konnis obsessing over every element, from the thickness of the handle to the personal engraving.
Weatherald’s Journey: Inspirational Resilience
Reflecting on Weatherald’s journey, Konnis praised his resilience and inspiring fight through hardship. “He’s climbed back over seven mountains to get where he is,” Konnis said. “Think about it: 473 players have ever played for Australia and he got there.”
A Unique Position in the Cricket World
For Konnis, the experience validates years of work, risk, and sacrifice. He remains driven by his passion and a desire to see local craftsmanship thrive on a global scale. “It’s such a small detail, but I obsessed over it,” he said of perfecting logo stickers for left-handed bats.
As JK Cricket continues to grow, Konnis is excited about the future. “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.
You just want to get as much done as possible and seize an opportunity,” he said with enthusiasm.
Weatherald will sport his ‘enigma’ blade once again as he is set to open the batting in the highly-anticipated second test versus England, which starts tomorrow. Konnis remains focused on his business goals, believing that “next steps will probably be hiring people – more for the repair side – and I can focus on making cricket bats.”
Stay informed, daily JK Cricket founder Jack Konnis in the workshop. Photo: Supplied.
