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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better 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 failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt 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 backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

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