KANE Williamson has spoken of his fantastic memories of previous spells with Yorkshire, and the New Zealand captain is hoping to create some new ones having returned to Emerald Headingley ahead of his latest overseas stay.

Williamson has landed in Yorkshire and makes his first appearance of the summer in Friday’s blockbuster Vitality Blast clash with Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford.

He will play 10 Blast and three Championship matches, excluding any potential quarter-final in the former competition, between July 20 and September 1.

Williamson, 27, has played for the White Rose in three previous spells and was a Championship winner in 2014.

“It’s great to be back,” said the batting star.

“I’ve had a couple of years where I haven’t been able to come back to play for a number of reasons, so it’s great to have the opportunity to come back for a couple of months to play for Yorkshire, which is a fantastically proud club.

“I’ve got a lot of fond memories here, a lot of friendships.

“I’ve always followed the side closely from afar, and I’ve noticed that there’s a number of younger players that are coming through now who I haven’t met yet, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them and learning from all the guys in the team.

“We’ve all got a number of different experiences that we can learn from.”

He continued: “With personnel changes, things always adapt a little bit. But, naturally, being Yorkshiremen, there’s always a lot of similarities that you come back to. That culture around the dressing room is always a very good one.

“There’s always those similar traits year in, year out, so with that you always know you’re coming back to a nice environment where the cricket is always enjoyable.

“The supporters are very, very passionate.

“It’s a fortunate place to play your cricket given the way they treat the game and the crowds we’re able to get. They get right behind their team in all formats, which is nice.”

Williamson plays Championship matches against Lancashire, Worcestershire at Scarborough and Somerset at Emerald Headingley.

“I saw some photos recently of the game in Scarborough, which looked amazing and brought back some good memories. It’s an awesome out-ground,” he said.

Williamson’s most recent cricket was at the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were beaten finalists. Prior to that, he skippered the Kiwis to a 1-0 Test series success over England at home as they clung on for a draw in the final match at Christchurch in early April.

“That was a certainly a highlight of our summer,” he reflected.

“England are a strong side. To win that in the fashion we did, drawing that last game in those circumstances, was a really pleasing effort.”

Williamson’s spell starts with back-to-back Roses clashes this weekend – in the Blast on Friday and then in the Championship from Sunday.

He added: “The Roses clashes are always a highlight in the calendar here at Yorkshire.

“They’re great games to be a part of. I’m looking forward to that. We start the four-day game almost immediately after that, so there’s a lot of cricket.

“I’m really looking forward to getting in amongst the team, and I suppose understanding my role within the side and looking to play that to the best I can, whether it’s on or off the field.”