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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions 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 Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

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 try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line 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 scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).