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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances 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 executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England 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 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).