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

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays 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 the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.