🔗 Share this article

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

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented 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 weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

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