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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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 backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.