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Hick backs Warner after below-par series

Batting coach says batsman may have put too much impetus on himself to perform in high-stakes series

David Warner’s desperation to produce a big series with the bat might have had a negative impact on the dynamic opener, according to batting coach Graeme Hick.

Warner was out for six on day three in Dharamsala to complete his third-worst series with the bat in terms of average, having scored 193 runs at 24.12.

The vice-captain had high hopes for the series but couldn’t captialise on the promising starts he created in every Test, posting just one half-century despite reaching double figures in seven of eight innings.

Quick Single: Aussie hopes slip away on tough day

Hick believes the great expectations Warner had set for himself before the tour could have been a factor in the left-hander’s below-par output.

“Obviously David will be very disappointed with his series aggregate on tour,” Hick said after play on Monday.

“He’s a very aggressive player, that’s the way he likes to play and that’s the way we like him to play.

“He was desperate to have a very big tour and (have a) very big influence here.

You can hear a pin drop in the dressing room: Hick

“Whether he put himself under too much pressure to do so, only he can answer that.

“He’ll reflect on it as your champions do and assess it himself.

“Without doubt he’s one of our major players - you would have hoped for a little bit more from him.”

Quick Single: Aussies' mood reflects mission improbable

At home, Warner’s record is imperious.

In 33 matches in Australia he averages 59.21 and strikes at 84, with 14 of his 18 Test centuries coming on grounds around his home nation.

Abroad, however, it's different story.

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In 31 matches on foreign soil he averages 36.62, and that average drops further to 24.25 in India.

"Numbers always pop up everywhere," Warner said in the wake of the third Test in Ranchi.

"Everyone in world cricket, greats and legends of the game, have had stints overseas or at home - they've had some form slumps and that's just the game of cricket."

Warner’s troubles on this tour have come primarily from spin, with the left-hander having been dismissed six out of eight times to the trio of Ravi Ashwin (three times), Ravindra Jadeja (twice) and youngster Kuldeep Yadav (once).

Jadeja and Wade clash on heated day three

Ashwin and Jadeja are the two premier Test bowlers in the world, occupying spots one and two respectively on the ICC Test bowling charts, and Hick says the lethal pair made it difficult for the usually free-flowing southpaw.

“He was challenged, it was tough up front,” Hick said.

“Jadeja into the rough, Ashwin bowls very well at him and certainly questioned him.

“That’s the beauty of the game, it puts these challenges up between these great players and it makes it very interesting to watch.”