🔗 Share this article Walsh Takes Center Stage as Ruthless The Kangaroos Sweep England Aside in First Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes. The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators. Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970. They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers. Crucial Plays of the Game The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past 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 breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second try. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend. England: Full team lineup. Substitutes: Bench players. Tries: Daryl Clark. Goal: Lewis. Visitors: Starting lineup. Bench: Reserves. Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).