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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead 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 eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.