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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through 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 England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.