Thumb injury leaves New Zealand fretting over Tim Southee's World Cup fitness

GEORGE DOBELL AT LORD'S: Southee, the veteran seamer, sustained a dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb when attempting to take a catch offered by Joe Root in the 14th over of the innings

Tim Southee is an injury doubt for at least the start of New Zealand's World Cup campaign after sustaining an injury in the fourth one-day international of the Metro Bank series against England at Lord's

Southee, the veteran seamer, sustained a dislocated and fractured bone in his right thumb when attempting to take a catch offered by Joe Root in the 14th over of the innings.

He briefly underwent treatment before leaving the field and being sent for X-rays.

A statement from New Zealand said: "A timeline for his recovery will be established tomorrow when he undergoes further assessment."

Southee was in immediate discomfort after putting down the chance (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

New Zealand's first match of the World Cup takes place in Ahmedabad against the defending champions on October 5. Their final group match is on November 9. Teams must confirm their squads by September 28.

Southee is the most experienced bowler in the New Zealand squad. He has taken 214 ODI wickets - more than any current New Zealand player - in 157 matches.

The question mark over his fitness is complicated by the hamstring injury suffered by Ben Lister who pulled up while fielding in the deep in the 36th over and was unable to add to his six overs.

Daryl Mitchell had earlier spent time off the field after dislocating his left ring finger while taking the catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow on 13. He later returned and was fit to bowl seven overs.

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