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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia 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 first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team 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 wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Looking Ahead

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

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.