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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence 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 weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption 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 winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).