🔗 Share this article Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes. Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000. Outstanding Display from Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970. They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers. Key Moments of the Game The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try. Final Score and Outlook By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday. Home Side: Full team lineup. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Try: Clark. Goal: Lewis. Visitors: Starting lineup. Bench: Reserves. Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.