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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory 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 the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England 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 possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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