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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They 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 no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly 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 firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).