🔗 Share this article

England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.