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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

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

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England 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: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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