🔗 Share this article Reece Walsh Takes Center Stage as Dominant Australia Sweep England Aside in Opening Ashes Test The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes. The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation 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 world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000. Outstanding Display from Walsh Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s. They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, 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 pulled off two wonderful turnovers. Key Moments of the Match The initial occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play. Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive. Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try. That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second. Final Score and Outlook By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend. Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles. Interchange: Bench players. Try: Clark. Goal: Mikey Lewis. Australia: Starting lineup. Bench: Reserves. Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two). Kicks: Cleary 5.