England cricket team mocked with 'missing balls' posters in Australia

A number of posters have appeared around Melbourne mocking the England cricket team ahead of their World Cup opener against rivals Australia on Saturday.

Local betting company sportsbet are believed to be behind the stunt, which shows a pair cricket balls and the text: "Missing - pair of balls. If found please return to the English cricket team."

Photos of the posters have been doing the rounds on social media and the #missing balls hashtag is said to have been used on numerous billboards around the city.

England were heavily beaten by Australia in the Tri-Series final earlier this month.

Spotted these posters around Melbourne. Has anyone found England's balls yet? #MissingBalls pic.twitter.com/pojdE8cPNS

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) February 12, 2015