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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession 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 Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

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