Blackcaps v Australia: NZ's injury woes continue as Matt Henry breaks thumb

New Zealand's cricket tour from hell has taken another hit with Matt Henry breaking his thumb in the third test against Australia.

Henry will continue to bowl through the pain at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after suffering the blow early on day one when attempting to field a drive from Joe Burns.

The injury is not on his bowling hand and his thumb will be placed in a splint. 

He will only bat if required depending on the Blackcaps' plight in the match.

The injury continues a horror series for the Blackcaps' fast bowlers, with Lockie Ferguson suffering a calf injury in the first test in Perth, and Trent Boult fracturing his hand in the second test in Melbourne.

Henry's selection in the first place for Sydney was controversial, with the 

Blackcaps believing he had more to offer than weary opening paceman Tim Southee.

Spinner Will Somerville is meanwhile also understood to be carrying a hand injury, with the webbing between his ring and middle finger split on his non-bowling hand.

The issues are the latest in a horror few days for the New Zealanders and come with Australia building towards a big first-innings score.

Captain Kane Williamson, star batsman Henry Nicholls and out-of-sorts spinner Mitchell Santner were ruled out before the toss with a virus, Williamson losing 2.5kg as a result of the affliction.

AAP