New Zealand's Tim Southee a fitness concern ahead of World Cup after dislocating his thumb

The experienced seamer sustained the injury attempting to catch Joe Root at gully in the first innings at Lord's.

He immediately left the field in pain and was sent for an X-ray on his right hand.

That confirmed a fracture as well as a dislocation, raising instant questions over his spot in the 15 that will travel to India.

The Black Caps are due to open the tournament against England on October 5 in Ahmedabad, a replay of the 2019 final, but may need to assess alternatives in their bowling ranks.

Kyle Jamieson is the most obvious candidate having featured in three of the four games against England, but Ben Lister's chances were hampered as he suffered a hamstring strain shortly after Southee's own departure from the field.

A statement from New Zealand Cricket read: "An X-ray has confirmed that Tim Southee dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb while attempting to take a catch in the 14th over of the 1st innings.

"A timeline for his recovery will be established on Saturday when he undergoes further assessment."

READ MORE: Lord's targets Net Zero with new sustainability drive