🔗 Share this article Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes. The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s. England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions. Key Moments 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 stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent move. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second. Final Score and Outlook By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Bench players. Tries: Clark. Goal: Lewis. Visitors: Starting lineup. Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Goals: Cleary 5.