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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. 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 no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

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

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).