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

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

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

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.