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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).