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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

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

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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