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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed 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

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).