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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes 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 UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better 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 unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

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

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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