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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series 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 composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday 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 first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice 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. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack 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 breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).