[1][2] Francis made his debut in first-class cricket for Hampshire against Middlesex at Southampton in the 2001 County Championship, with him making a second appearance that against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.
[3] In that same season, he also made his debut in List A one-day cricket, making six appearances in the 2001 Norwich Union League,[4] in which he scored 189 runs at an average of exactly 63.
[5] The following season, he was selected to play for the British Universities cricket team in a first-class match against the touring Sri Lankans, in addition to making eight appearances in the 2002 County Championship for Hampshire,[3] alongside ten one-day appearances 2002 Norwich Union League;[4] against Northamptonshire, he made what would be his only one-day century with a score of 103 not out.
[6] Alongside James Adams and Chris Benham, he was one of three Loughborough University cricketers in Hampshire's 2002 squad.
[9] Upon signing for Somerset, Francis believed the move would boost his chances of playing internationally for England.
[18] He continued to play club cricket for Taunton St Andrews following his retirement from the professional game.