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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory 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 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 turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, 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 Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired 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 Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.