🔗 Share this article Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Test England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes. The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, 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 UK of over sixty thousand spectators. Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia 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 weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s. 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 advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers. Key Moments of the Game The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful 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 pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum. If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second. Match Result and Outlook By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Tries: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).