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

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England 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 unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England 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.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).