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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession 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 tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).