New Zealand great Kane Williamson will captain London Spirit in this summer’s Hundred competition after becoming one of the competition’s first ever direct signings.

Williamson, 34, will also play county cricket for Middlesex outside of The Hundred window as he spends the English summer based at Lord’s.

“Our international schedule has allowed for a bit of break, and I was looking to come to the UK with my family, so when this opportunity arose it was a really exciting prospect,” said Williamson.

“The Home of Cricket is one of my favourite grounds in the world for so many different reasons. I’ve had so many incredible moments there.

“Every player in the world holds Lord’s in the highest regard. They have been able to maintain the tradition around playing there, and that’s what makes it unique to any other place in the world.”

Williamson had previously been signed by Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred but failed to play a game due to a back injury.

Williamson is widely regarded as one of the best batters of his generation, scoring more than 9,000 Test runs at an average of 54.88.

He has extensive T20 experience too, and has scored almost 10,000 runs for his country and in domestic cricket.