🔗 Share this article Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Sweep The Hosts Aside in First Ashes Match England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes. The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, 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 more than 60,000. Outstanding Display from Walsh Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s. They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play. Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through 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 attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday. England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Bench players. Tries: Clark. Conversion: Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2. Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).