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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).