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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed 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 the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions 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: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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