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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball 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 large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice 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. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).