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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.