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

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

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain 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 Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line 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 final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.