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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions 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 Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

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 Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack 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 scintillating move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result 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. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).