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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments 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 Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England 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 line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot 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 Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.