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

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly 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 winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.