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

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

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

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly 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 drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).