He made his first-class debut for Hampshire in 1997, making a handful of appearances for the county until he moved to Somerset for the 2002 season. However, appearances for the first XI became less frequent and Francis was released at the end of the 2006 season.
He debuted in first-class cricket for Hampshire in 1997, appearing occasionally before moving to Somerset in 2002. His appearances in the first team diminished, leading to his release from Hampshire at the end of the 2006 season.