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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively 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 world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

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

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).