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Nathan Lyon has continued his prolific run against New Zealand, grabbing his first five-wicket Test haul at the SCG.

Nathan Lyon is more concerned about two fumbled catches than a bandaged and bloodied thumb after claiming 5-68 at the SCG, his best Test figures at the spin-friendly venue.

Lyon grabbed his maiden SCG five-wicket haul on day three of the third trans-Tasman Test, cleaning up the tail after ending a stubborn opening partnership between Tom Blundell and Tom Latham.

The offspinner, who delivered 30.4 overs in total, injured his thumb while dropping a return catch in the 16th over.

The blow lifted Lyon's thumbnail, resulting in plenty of blood.

Lyon showed few signs of discomfort while bowling with a heavily strapped thumb but the manner in which he dropped another catch off his own bowling, trying to take it in his left hand, suggested all was not right.

"The thumb is fine ... I do have both thumbnails," Lyon told reporters.

"I split my thumb but I was more frustrated about dropping a pretty easy catch ... more disappointed in my (fielding) standards.

"I pride myself on my fielding, especially the fielding off my own bowling. I know how hard it is to take Test wickets and when you're dropping catches off your own bowling it doesn't sit really well."

The tweaker has consistently troubled New Zealand this series and four more wickets in this game will make it his most prolific home summer ever, surpassing the 25 wickets he snagged from six Tests in 2018-19.

Lyon, who shifted to Sydney in 2013, took particular delight with Sunday's performance.

It came in the Black Caps' first innings - and at a ground where Lyon's Test bowling average was 47.57 prior to the start of the current series finale.

"I've always enjoyed playing cricket here. It's been a challenge for a few years but it's great to be of some assistance out there," he said.

LYON'S BEST TEST HAULS AT SCG

*5-68 v NZ, 2020

*4-178 v India, 2019

*3-54 v England, 2018