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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle 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 supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).