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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations 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 failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).