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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

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

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus 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 stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Outlook

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 finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.