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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.