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

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort 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 series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led 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-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better 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 no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

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

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: 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.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).