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

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

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing 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 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 points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece 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 moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).