🔗 Share this article Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat England Away in First Ashes Test England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes. Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000. Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star 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 weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s. They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers. Key Moments of the Game The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play. Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score. That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday. Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Substitutes: Bench players. Tries: Clark. Goal: Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Interchange: Reserves. Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).