🔗 Share this article

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished 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 spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball 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 tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus 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 Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, 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 did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).