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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided 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 England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, 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 halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).