New Zealand seamer Matt Henry was hit by an injury blow ahead of the upcoming international cricket season, as he is likely to miss the upcoming home series against West Indies.

Henry has been ruled out of Canterbury's home Plunket Shield match against the Firebirds on Wednesday (October 28) after breaking his thumb during training on Monday.

The seamer sustained the fracture during practice with Canterbury side when he was struck on his right hand while batting in the nets – and the injury could take four to six weeks to heal.

It was really unfortunate for Henry as the injury could jeopardize his home summer, as he was already replaced by Tyler Lortan in the Canterbury squad for the upcoming Plunket Shield clash with Wellington.

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He is in serious doubt for the upcoming three-match T20I series against West Indies, which is scheduled to start on November 27 followed by the two-Test series starts from December 3.

Canterbury physio Tim Dovbysh stated; “Matt was unfortunately stuck on the tip of the right thumb while batting in the nets. Matt got an X-ray immediately after training which confirmed the fracture.”

Dovbysh further stated: “He'll need a temporary rest from bowling but will still add value to the team at training and will start bowling when able.”

Henry will join fellow Black Caps player Henry Nicholls on the sidelines after he was also ruled out due to injury during the ongoing Plunket Shield competition in New Zealand.

At the highest level, Henry is the second injury concern for New Zealand before the West Indies series as captain Kane Williamson is currently recovering from an adductor problem that he picked up while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL 2020 in the UAE.

(Cricbuzz inputs)