Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Match

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test 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 definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession 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 failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions 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.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.