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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia 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 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.