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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

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 hosts 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 wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address 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.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.