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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).