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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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