It was around last year when Middlesex signed the former all-format New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, for the T20 Blast, the County Championship 2025 season, and the London Spirit in the Hundred 2025. It was a huge overseas signing from the England club, who was looking forward to seeing the veteran right-handed batter pile up runs for the side.

And Williamson delivered during his first County Championship 2025 game at the Merchant Taylor’s School Ground in Northwood against Northamptonshire as he celebrated his maiden century of the competition. It was the full-length delivery that swung back at the batter, who tickled it past the leg side into the square region and rushed back for the second.

Also Read: [WATCH] Dinesh Karthik analyzes Shubham Gill's captaincy approach before ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

The entire crowd stood on their feet as Williamson raised his bat after taking the helmet off. He soaked the pressure and started the usual business again. It was the 44th century in first-class cricket for the 34-year-old, who stayed back in England and avoided the Test matches for the Kiwis against Zimbabwe for the role.

Watch: Kane Williamson notches up maiden County Championship century for Middlesex

It seemed to be a good batting surface where the visiting side took full advantage and batted with full responsibility and attention. Opener Sam Robson smashed a fine half-century on the opening day of the game while his partner, Max Holden, notched up 151 runs in 282 balls. Williamson ended his knock with 114 runs in 159 balls at a strike rate of over 70, with the help of 14 boundaries and one six.

First Rothesay County Championship match for Middlesex, first Middlesex century for Kane Williamson. pic.twitter.com/Z5f79h3aOu

— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) July 23, 2025

In three balls, Middlesex lost both their set batters as captain Leus de Plooy and Ryan Higgins had started to recover the innings as they had smelt the 400 runs already. The aim would be to reach 500 or beyond.

Williamson, however, will be satisfied with his effort. He has now recorded 14265 runs in FC cricket in 302 innings at an average of over 51 alongside 44 centuries and 65 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 284 runs. The Tauranga-born last featured in a Test for the Blackcaps in 2024 against the Ben Stokes-led side at Seddon Park in Hamilton.