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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions 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 Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.