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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of 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 series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win 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 multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line 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 prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.