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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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