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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They 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 promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).