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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, 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 Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

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