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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia 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 opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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 backed up 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, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).