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.

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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.

Middlesex batter Luke Hollman played a jaw-dropping shot on Wednesday that swiftly went viral, leaving cricket fans baffled over what to even call it. Facing Surrey skipper Sam Curran, Hollman initially shaped up for a scoop but quickly adapted when the left-arm seamer delivered a slower ball. In a split-second switch, Hollman changed grip and stance to produce a phenomenal reverse switch slap-pull, which sped away to the boundary.

It was an incredible shot in a closely fought Vitality Blast match at Lord's as Surrey edged Middlesex in a high-scoring contest. Will Jacks continued his fine run with the bat, notching up his third half-century in four games with a composed 52 off 36 balls. Surrey posted 189 for nine, with Middlesex’s Ryan Higgins delivering a standout performance with the ball, claiming a season-best four for 33.

Surrey's innings began conservatively but picked up pace in the fifth over when Jacks and Ryan Patel (23 off 11) took 23 runs from Noah Cornwell. The duo put on 66 for the opening wicket before Patel succumbed to a Higgins bouncer, sparking a mini-collapse that saw three wickets fall for just 22 runs. Hollman also contributed with the ball, removing Jacks during his tidy spell of two for 34.

Hollman and Higgins Fight Back, but Jordan Holds Nerve

A stabilizing 61-run partnership between Dan Lawrence and Tom Curran lifted Surrey out of trouble. Curran’s aggressive knock of 47 off 22 balls, followed by Jordan Clark’s two last-over sixes, helped the visitors finish strongly. Middlesex’s response began brightly with Stephen Eskinazi scoring 53 off 38, but the middle order faltered after a double blow in one over—du Plooy was run out for 29 and Eskinazi fell shortly after.

Watch the video here

Wake up dear fans, there's a new shot for us to name 😅pic.twitter.com/Ky9M3a7PTk

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 17, 2025

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Despite the early trouble, Higgins and Hollman stubbornly resisted and put on an unbroken partnership of 62 runs, which nearly secured the chase. Hollman's late-inning assault with 3 more boundaries and a six to Sam Curran all in the same over took Surrey to the edge of defeat. However, Chris Jordan was unfazed, and with figures of 2 for 28 off his four overs, he stole the game and the win for Surrey.

In a shocking revelation, Middlesex County Cricket Club has shown interest in acquiring Indian cricket great Virat Kohli for a possible stint in the County Championship or the One-Day Cup. Director of Cricket at the club, Alan Coleman, said his club is a fan of the cricketer and spoke highly of him, saying, "Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation, so of course we are interested in having that conversation."

Kohli, with his unparalleled aggression and world-class record in all forms of the game, has never been a part of county cricket, even though there had been rumors of this possibility in previous seasons. This possible transfer would finally allow English supporters to see the Indian icon play on their land beyond international matches, something that has already thrilled the cricket fraternity.

While no official talks have commenced, Coleman's remark indicates a serious intention from Middlesex to pursue the possibility. With Kohli potentially stepping down from international duty after a hectic summer schedule, this could be the ideal time window—if the BCCI agrees.

A Strategic and Cultural Boost for Middlesex

Middlesex has put it together to repair the composition of its squad and find the right combination of fresh talent and experience. Signing Kohli would give the team a big boost and give the young players inspiration and mentoring from someone so iconic in modern cricket. 

🚨 MIDDLESEX WANTS KOHLI TO PLAY IN COUNTY or ONE-DAY CUP 🚨

Alan Coleman, Director of cricket at Middlesex said "Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation so of course we are interested in having that conversation". [The Guardian] pic.twitter.com/Peexo6Budu

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 17, 2025

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While the cricketing benefits from Kohli signing with Middlesex would be sensational, the commercial benefits would be huge. Ticket sales, viewership, and media presence would skyrocket and make county games an event. This could also rejuvenate the interest of casual fans in domestic cricket in England and India. If this signing happens, it could be one of the most iconic signings in county cricket history. All we are left to see is Kohli's availability and the direction Middlesex goes.