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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past 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 attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

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 weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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