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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon 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 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 backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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 weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters 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 Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).