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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. 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 no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. 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 decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by 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 clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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