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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: 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).