🔗 Share this article

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side 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 drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession 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 tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).