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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).