Australia manager John Buchanan is backing Shane Warne to have his best series on Indian soil.

Hampshire captain Warne has managed just 20 wickets in three Tests in India at an average of 52.

That compares to 507 scalps in 106 Tests at 24 elsewhere.

But, after taking 26 wickets at 20 in Sri Lanka earlier this year, Buchanan believes Warne's third series in India can be his best so far.

He said: "That performance in Sri Lanka is still fresh in his mind, not just his results but how he actually bowled and if he continues in that vein, he'll really enjoy this series.

"This is also the first time he's come to India in really good shape and last time Shane had to play two roles.

"He had to be an attacker and a defender at the same time but if we get it right this time we hope he'll just be able to more or less wheel away and not have to play a dual role.

"Or, if he has to play two roles during the series, it should be made pretty clear what he has to do at one particular time.

"That's important because last time it meant he was bowling a huge amount and that wears you down."

Buchanan is planning to rest Warne from their pre-Test warm-up match, a three-dayer against Mumbai, which starts tomorrow.

Warne has not played since his last appearance for Hampshire and Australia manager John Buchanan is now set to give him another week off before the first Test in Bangalore, which starts on October 6.

Warne's fitness is not the only factor as the Aussies discuss saving the leg spinner for the four Tests.

They are worried that Indian champions Mumbai could dent even Warne's confidence, as was the case when Sachin Tendulkar cracked his maiden double century in the corresponding match before the 1998 series.

Mumbai coach Chandrakant Pandit said: "We plan to be aggressive against them with bat and ball and not allow them to settle. If we can put Warne and the others under pressure in this game, it will help India in the Test matches."

Buchanan added: "Shane will be bowling a lot in the Test matches.

"We want to try out as many people as we can since this is the only practice game before the Tests start."