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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors 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 possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

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

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

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).