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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions 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 executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.