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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).