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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, 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 Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon 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 drive.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).