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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured 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 opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.