New Zealand eye response without Southee

Southee suffered a foot injury during the eight-wicket loss on Thursday as Sri Lanka reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the five-match series.

Matt Henry, who impressed in the opening two matches in Christchurch, replaces him in the squad.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is unsure about the severity of Southee's injury, but welcomed back Henry.

"We're not sure of the nature of the injury at this point and will need to find out more information over the coming days," he said.

"Matt comes back into the squad having performed strongly in the opening two ODIs, so we know he'll join us in good form."

Sri Lanka needed a response in the third ODI and delivered, reducing the hosts to 276-8 before their batsmen completed a comfortable chase.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (91), Lahiru Thirimanne (87) and Danushka Gunathilaka (65) all made much-needed runs at the top of the order.

Sri Lanka's batsmen had struggled early in the series, with Henry doing plenty of damage with eight wickets.

But he was only picked for the opening two games, making way for Southee in the squad.

Southee's injury provides another opportunity for Henry, who helped set up his side's wins in the first two games.

However, momentum has swung in Sri Lanka's favour heading into game four on Saturday.