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

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see 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 must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).