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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 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations 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 home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

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

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early 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 address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: 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: Cleary 5.