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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable 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 ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece 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 first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times 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. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).