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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 surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

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

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side 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 Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).