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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing 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 triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.