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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, 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 United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team 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.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour 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 added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).