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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, 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 Match

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.