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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart 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 winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack 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 breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans 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 do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).