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

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan 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 point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: 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).