New Zealand paceman Tim Southee dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb on Friday -- less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup in India.

Southee suffered the injury while dropping a catch off Joe Root during England's innings at Lord's in the final one-day international of the four-match series.

The former England captain, who was on eight at the time, edged Ben Lister to Southee in the slips.

He immediately looked to be in pain and left the field to go for a scan, failing to return.

"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 first innings," said a New Zealand team spokesman.

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

New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign against defending champions England in Ahmedabad in the opening game of the tournament on October 5.

Southee, 34, named this week in an experienced New Zealand squad for the tournament, had taken 214 wickets in 156 ODIs before the Lord's match.

He bowled four overs for 29 runs on Friday as England scored 311-9 in their 50 overs.