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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia 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 weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through 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 breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).