Andrew Gale has spoken of a below par Yorkshire performance across the first three days against Nottinghamshire, but he is backing his batsmen to steer the White Rose to safety at Trent Bridge tomorrow.

Should Notts declare overnight, Yorkshire will be set an unlikely victory target of 447.

But the hosts could bat on given debutant Joe Clarke is unbeaten on 97 and within touching distance of a second hundred in the match.

Notts dominated day three. Yorkshire, replying to 408, started on 206-5 and were bowled out for 291.

Notts then closed on 329-5 in their second innings, with Clarke one of four batsmen to pass 50.

“All throughout the match, we’ve been inconsistent,” said coach Gale.

“We’ve shown good spells with the ball and then let them off the hook. We just haven’t built any pressure.

“Yesterday and today with the bat, we got a partnership together and then lost a wicket.

“We shouldn’t be rusty. There’s no excuse like that. We’ve had good preparation going into the season. We just haven’t got it right. That’s what it comes down to.

“We had momentum with the bat, and there were periods where we were playing nicely and then would give it away. When you’re playing against good sides like Notts, you need to be on it all the time. They’ve shown that. They’ve been a lot more ruthless than us.

“But we have to bat well tomorrow and show some character.

“We can still get something out of the game.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be tough because they have a good bowling attack. But we’re up to the task.”

Meanwhile, Gale confirmed that Joe Root is fine after leaving the field nursing his left hand five overs from close. He was struck whilst attempting to stop a Clarke drive.