ANDREW Gale admits strong words have been exchanged about Yorkshire's batting following their three-day defeat to Middlesex at Lord's.

Yorkshire's fourth straight Specsavers County Championship defeat on the London ground came by an innings and 64 runs shortly after tea.

After Middlesex had posted 446, Yorkshire were bowled out for 208 and then 174 having been asked to follow on.

Struggling to pile on the runs consistently is no new thing for Yorkshire's top order. It has been an issue for a couple of seasons.

They have only posted more than 300 three times in seven matches this term, added to the 177-1 in the second innings of last month's draw at Lancashire.

Only captain Gary Ballance has consistently impressed this year, with Australian overseas recruit Peter Handscomb showing glimpses.

In fact, Ballance's 815 runs represents 24.6 per cent of Yorkshire's four-day runs in 2017.

After Yorkshire's second defeat was confirmed, bringing them three points, it was no surprise to hear Gale speak honestly about the issue.

"From a batting point of view, we were well below par. We've talked about it for a while now," said the Headingley coach.

"The only positive was the way Harry Brook played in the first innings (for 38) on debut. I thought he played nicely against a good Middlesex attack and showed he's capable.

"We had a long chat and some strong words about the batting at Taunton and some more strong words in this game. We expect a response.

"We changed things up slightly by leaving Jack Leaning out and there's lads in the second team banging on the door."

Almost everything went against Yorkshire this week, just as things had gone for them during the three-run win at Taunton last weekend.

They lost an important toss and were asked to bowl when the pitch, which deteriorated quickly and offered significant uneven bounce from after lunch on day two onwards, was at its best for batting.

They had very good lbw shouts turned down against century-makers Sam Robson and Paul Stirling before openers Adam Lyth and Alex Lees both got poor decisions. Yet Yorkshire did not help themselves with a number of loose shots.

Gale said: "I thought first day, bowling-wise, we did quite well without a lot of reward. That was when the pitch was at its best.

"We got rewarded for that second morning but from then on we were well below par. To be bowled out twice like we have been is poor.

"I back the lads 100 per cent. Lythy has a fantastic record behind him and has shown this season how well he can play. He played beautifully against Lancashire at Headingley.

"Leesy has had a few good knocks – but we just need more consistency. That's what it comes down to."

Adil Rashid top-scored with 35 in the second innings, while Steve Patterson was the only other man to get close with 30 not out. Brook, Handscomb and Rashid were the top-order players to fall loosely.

Brook was caught behind for a three-ball duck cutting at Tim Murtagh, Handscomb slapped Steven Finn to point and Rashid was caught behind off James Franklin playing away from his body.

Off-spinner Ollie Rayner finished with four second-innings wickets for Middlesex.

Yorkshire's next match is the pink ball day/night clash with Surrey at Headingley starting on Monday.