🔗 Share this article Walsh Shines as Ruthless Australia Defeat The Hosts Away in First Ashes Match The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes. Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series 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 displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000. Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970. England will have to be significantly improved 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 unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions. Key Moments of the Game The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a excellent play. Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum. If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot English defense for his second. Final Score and Looking Ahead By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach 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: Daryl Clark. Conversion: Mikey Lewis. Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo. Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi. Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Goals: Cleary 5.