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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match 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 the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

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 further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.