Reece Walsh Shines as Dominant The Kangaroos Defeat The Hosts Away in Opening Ashes Test

England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

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

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.