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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.