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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put 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 finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. 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. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.