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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ 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 sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

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