Simon Francis

Francis is a dynamic seam bowler who joined Somerset at the end of the 2001 season after being released by Hampshire, where he had been on the playing staff since 1997.

He was a talented all-round sportsman in his youth and played hockey for England at Under 18 level. Attended Durham University and also represented British Universities in 1998 and 1999.

He claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in August 2002 when he took 5-73 against Warwickshire in the County Championship. Also made a name for himself with a crucial run out as a substitute fielder in the Cheltenham & Gloucester trophy semi-final.

His promising form saw him selected for England A's tour of Malaysia and India in 2004 alongside the likes of Simon Jones and Kevin Pietersen, and he played in six of the eight games in India.

In 2005 he played in eight Twenty20 Cup matches to help Somerset qualify for Finals Day at The Oval where they beat Leicestershire and Lancashire to lift the trophy.

Francis struggled during 2006 and was released at the end of the season, but was signed by Nottinghamshire in 2007 when the county suffered a shortage of seam bowlers.

However, he failed to make an impact at Trent Bridge and was released after just one season on the books.