Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Match

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better 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 points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain 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 taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted 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. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).