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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for 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 decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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