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

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team 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 wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty 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 Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: 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.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).