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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

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 advantageous situations 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 came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

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 avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).