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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, 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 Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey 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: Cleary 5.