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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, 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 wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.