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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side 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 definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. 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 decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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