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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists 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 endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).