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

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times 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 backed up 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 completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary 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 consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.