🔗 Share this article Walsh Shines as Dominant Australia Defeat The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Match England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes. The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators. Outstanding Display from Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s. They 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 promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers. Key Moments of the Match The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second try. Final Score and Outlook By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend. England: Full team lineup. Interchange: Bench players. Try: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Bench: Reserves. Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).