Andrew Strauss has urged his England players to keep a sense of perspective and up their level in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide (England 3/1 – 2nd Test match prices).

Strauss led the England fightback on day four of the first Test in Brisbane, scoring his 19th Test century, before Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott’s record-breaking stand ensured that the tourists will start the second match of the series on level terms.

Having been so far behind after the first innings, England could have almost viewed the draw as a win, but Strauss is keen to move on from the Gabba run-fest and concentrate on improving in his side’s performance in round two of the battle for the urn.

“For us to be jumping up and down and congratulating each other would be a long way off the mark,” he said. “We are 0-0 in the series, and this Test takes on even greater importance.

“We are going to have to improve our performance. We showed a lot of resilience to come back – which is great – but you can’t afford to be behind in cricket matches too often, because eventually the other team will convert that.”

Adelaide is generally thought of as one of the best batting surfaces in world cricket but there have been 10 positive results from the last 12 Tests at the South Australia venue, with the Aussies winning nine and losing just one.

Batting is clearly the stronger suit for both sides in the current series but England do possess the best spinner in the world in Graeme Swann, who has yet to play much of a role on tour.

It could be time for the Notts man to step up to the plate with so much riding on the outcome of the second game of the five-match series (Swann 2/1 to be top Eng bowler 2nd Test 1st inns).