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

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, 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 UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

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