At a venue where Australia have not been bowled out for less than 400 on their last seven occasions batting first, captain Andrew Flintoff's biggest job of the day was calling the toss correctly.
The tourists were hammered by 277 runs in the first Test in Brisbane, with their bowlers struggling as Australia's batsman seized control.
He first had to speak to Monty Panesar, informing him that despite speculation they would play with two spinners, England would in fact be unchanged.
But England captain Andrew Flintoff said: "Everyone realises we're better than what we did last week, we're a better side than that.
"It's tempting to change the side but we thought the balance was right and it's just a case of performing," Flintoff said.
"Our heads were never going to go down, we've got four Test matches to go."
They performed for the first hour, at least, but their failure to score runs as they settled in meant when wickets came they were suddenly under real pressure.
You have to expect that they are going to play better than they did in the first Test Australia captain Ricky Ponting
Strauss had worked on the pull shot that saw him dismissed twice in the opening Test, starting the shot higher and getting on top of the delivery.
England, who are the current holders of the Ashes, may be boosted by the absence of veteran Australia seam bowler Glenn McGrath in Adelaide.
McGrath helped him a little as he regularly failed to top 80mph, despite assurances from captain Ricky Ponting that he was 100% after a heel problem.
A major turning point in last year's Ashes series came when McGrath injured himself on the morning of the second Test.
After seeing Alastair Cook - on one - edge just in front of keeper Adam Gilchrist, McGrath was clearly troubled by his left boot, continually adjusting the lacing.
He is currently struggling with a heel injury, and Australia will delay making a decision on whether or not he can play until just before the match.
Brett Lee, who opened the attack, was speedy but inconsistent in his opening burst and England were ready to open up when Clark joined the attack.
Flintoff admitted the possibility of McGrath once again sitting out the second Test had brought back memories of 2005.
But in just his second over, three balls after the drinks break, Strauss played around his front pad and lobbed a catch to mid-on.
"I think the atmosphere going into this Test is very similar to last time," said Flintoff.
When Cook edged a ball that moved slightly off the seam Clark, in his sixth Test, had taken 2-7 in five overs.
England will be hoping the 2006/07 series follows a similar pattern to 2005.
By that time, Shane Warne was already in the attack, demonstrating his pre-match assertion that he is "all over" Bell, beating the bat time and again.
After a heavy defeat in the opening encounter they came roaring back, although that looks a lot less likely this time, not least because the hosts have a terrific record in Adelaide.
Collingwood, fresh from his 96 in the second innings in Brisbane, looked assured from the off, although there was an anxious moment when he top-edged a hook off Clark.
They have won 11 of their last 15 Tests in the southern Australian city, although one of their three defeats was by England in 1995.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting admitted he is wary of the tourists finding their form.
"You have to expect that they are going to play better than they did in the first Test match, they're very capable of doing that," said Ponting.
"So we just have to look after ourselves and prepare for what England are capable of.
"It's up to us really to make sure to repeat what we did in Brisbane.
"I thought the cricket we played in Brisbane was of a very high calibre and it's important that we start this Test match off exactly the same."
Neither side have yet named their teams, with Australia waiting on the fitness of McGrath.
They have omitted second leg-spinner Stuart MacGill from their squad and if McGrath does not make it then either Mitchell Johnson or Shaun Tait will replace the 36-year-old.
England are still considering playing two spinners, with Monty Panesar in line for his first start this series.
If he plays James Anderson is expected to step down, with England almost certain to give misfiring spearhead Stephen Harmison another chance after his disappointing display in the first Test.
In their first innings in the last seven Tests in Adelaide Australia have scored 428, 575, 556, 552, 439, 403, 441, going on to win six of the matches and losing just one.
