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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side 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. However, 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 United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations 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 hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts 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 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

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