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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They 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 points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. 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 half-break was backed up by Angus 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 weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.