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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England 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 promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus 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 drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus 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 breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

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

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl 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.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).