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Northamptonshire opener Emilio Gay struck a stylish, commanding career-best 165 not out as the hosts took full advantage of being put into bat to reach 311-3 against Middlesex.

Gay, 24 on Sunday, celebrated his birthday early with the fifth first-class century of his career, finding a supportive partner in home skipper Luke Procter who hit 73 in a 189-run second-wicket stand.

Middlesex's bowlers, who were punished after inserting Glamorgan at Lord's last week, stuck diligently to their task on a largely docile wicket with the Kookaburra ball.

They had cause to celebrate when Ryan Higgins removed opener Jason Broad lbw in the second over of the day. But the next breakthrough would not come until after tea as Procter and Gay took control.

Once Procter fell to spinner Josh de Caires, Gay shared an 86-run stand with Karun Nair (41) before the Indian batter played on to a delivery that jagged back from Toby Roland-Jones.

The day was also memorable in that Northamptonshire secured their first home batting points of 2024 - a feat they did not achieve until 26 September last year, while Procter picked up where he left off after making 92 against Sussex.

He was solid in defence, but played some crisp attacking shots during the morning, driving opposite number Roland-Jones down the ground and striking Tom Helm through square for four, only to depart .

Gay at times looked vulnerable outside off-stump early on, playing and missing against the seamers when they found some movement.

But he grew in fluency, playing some attractive clips off his legs, taking on the short ball, and driving firmly down the ground. A highlight of the morning session was a classy drive for four through the covers off Helm.