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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, 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 record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance 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-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They 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 failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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