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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, 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 Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie 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 taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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