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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain 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 Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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