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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions 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 Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined 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 Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die 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.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).