🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat England Away in Opening Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes. Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000. Outstanding Display from Walsh Guided 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 the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s. They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful move. Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second try. Match Result and Outlook By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Try: Daryl Clark. Conversion: Mikey Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).