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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).