Reece Walsh Shines as Ruthless The Kangaroos Sweep England Away in Opening Ashes Match

England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron 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 added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).