🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Test England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes. The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators. Outstanding Display from Walsh Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain 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 multiple occasions in the opening period, 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 pulled off two wonderful interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play. Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try. Final Score and Outlook 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 being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach 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. Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Try: Clark. Goal: Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Goals: Cleary 5.