🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Sweep The Hosts Aside in Opening Ashes Test England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match 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 certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators. Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970. They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try. Match Result and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend. England: Full team lineup. Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken. Tries: Clark. Goal: Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).