PETER Handscomb is backing Yorkshire to recover strongly from last week’s three-day defeat against Middlesex when Surrey visit Headingley tomorrow for the historic floodlit Specsavers County Championship clash.

The White Rose were heavily beaten by the defending champions last week, by an innings and 64 runs.

It was their fourth defeat in a row at Lord’s, and their batting came under scrutiny having posted scores of 202 and 174.

Handscomb has full confidence in Yorkshire’s regular top five, an area of the team which will be strengthened further this week with the inclusion of England duo Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root.

“I think our top five is up there with the best in the country. We just haven’t gelled together yet,” said the 26-year-old overseas batsman.

“To lose by an innings and 60 runs isn’t great.

“But the beauty is that we’ve won two of our last three games, and it’s definitely not panic stations.

“We’ll hopefully get a win against Surrey, and we’re still right up there at the top and in a good position.”

Handscomb has enjoyed previous success against the pink ball under lights, scoring three centuries at state and Test level, including his latest against Pakistan in Brisbane last December.

“I think it’s a great concept for the game,” he said of floodlit first-class and Test cricket.

“It will hopefully get more people coming down, and that’s what you want.”

Handscomb’s previous appearances under such conditions have come against the pink Kookaburra ball and not the English Dukes, as will be used this week.

“Having never played a pink ball game in England and never with the pink Dukes, it will be a different contest. I genuinely do not know how it reacts,” he added.

“The ball is still in its working phase and is getting better and better each year we play.

“The white ball is different to the red ball and the pink ball is different again. We’re trying to find an even balance with bat and ball.

“I got a hundred against Pakistan. I faced the second new ball under lights, and it was tough. But it was quite consistent.

“As long as it’s consistent swing or seam, you can play.

“The new ball is tough under lights, and with a bit more grass on it livens up and zips through. It could be interesting at Headingley.

“But if you get yourself in, you can still make runs.”

Surrey, amongst the pre-season title favourites, have only won one of six matches this season, losing one and drawing four.

They sit fifth in Division One on 74 points, 15 behind Yorkshire in third.

Yorkshire have won three of seven this year and trail leaders Essex by 25 points.

Gary Ballance will play in the first two days before linking up with the England Lions. Yorkshire can name a replacement for days three and four.