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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, 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 UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score 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 Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).