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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. 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. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.