In the World Championship of Cricket, O'Donnell had a fantastic game against Pakistan, making 74 and taking 2-42. This helped earn O'Donnell selection on the short tour to Sharjah in early 1985. He was also selected on the squad to tour England for the Ashes. "A lot of hard work has been one thing", he said. "The dividends are starting to pay off — they're paying off very quickly", adding that "I've still got to get a Test match over there. There are 17 going, so I've got to get into the top 11."