🔗 Share this article

The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. 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 UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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 Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).