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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.