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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph 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 much better 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 unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain 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 finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times 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 supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: 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: Cleary 5.